Spring Cloud Config Vulnerability CVE-2026-40982 Allows Directory Traversal
A critical directory traversal vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2026-40982, has been identified in Spring Cloud Config. According to the National Vulnerability Database, this flaw, rated with a CVSS score of 9.1 (Critical), allows attackers to serve arbitrary text and binary files through the spring-cloud-config-server module. By crafting a specially designed URL, a malicious actor can exploit this to traverse directories and potentially access sensitive files outside the intended scope.
This vulnerability impacts multiple versions across several Spring Cloud Config branches. Specifically, Spring Cloud Config 3.1.0 through 3.1.13, 4.1.0 through 4.1.9, 4.2.0 through 4.2.6, 4.3.0 through 4.3.2, and 5.0.0 through 5.0.2 are all affected. The National Vulnerability Database recommends upgrading to 3.1.14 (Enterprise Support Only), 4.1.10 (Enterprise Support Only), 4.2.7 (Enterprise Support Only), 4.3.3, or 5.0.3, or later versions, depending on the deployed branch.
From an attacker’s perspective, this is a low-effort, high-impact vulnerability. No authentication or complex conditions are required for exploitation, making it highly attractive. For defenders, the implications are severe: unauthorized file access can lead to information disclosure, credential theft, or even arbitrary code execution if sensitive scripts or configurations are exposed and subsequently misused. This isn’t just about data exfiltration; it’s a potential beachhead for further attacks.
What This Means For You
- If your organization uses Spring Cloud Config, you need to immediately identify all instances running affected versions. Prioritize patching to the recommended secure versions (3.1.14+, 4.1.10+, 4.2.7+, 4.3.3+, or 5.0.3+) to prevent critical directory traversal attacks via CVE-2026-40982. Audit your `spring-cloud-config-server` deployments for any unusual file access patterns in logs.
Related ATT&CK Techniques
🛡️ Detection Rules
2 rules · 6 SIEM formats2 detection rules auto-generated for this incident, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK. Sigma YAML is free — export to any SIEM format via the Intel Bot.
CVE-2026-40982 - Spring Cloud Config Directory Traversal
title: CVE-2026-40982 - Spring Cloud Config Directory Traversal
id: scw-2026-05-07-ai-1
status: experimental
level: critical
description: |
Detects attempts to exploit CVE-2026-40982 by looking for directory traversal patterns like '/../' or its URL-encoded equivalent '/..%252f' within the request URI. This vulnerability allows attackers to access arbitrary files on the server via the Spring Cloud Config server module.
author: SCW Feed Engine (AI-generated)
date: 2026-05-07
references:
- https://shimiscyberworld.com/posts/nvd-CVE-2026-40982/
tags:
- attack.initial_access
- attack.t1190
logsource:
category: webserver
detection:
selection:
uri|contains:
- '/..%252f'
- '/../'
cs-uri|contains:
- '/..%252f'
- '/../'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative activity
Source: Shimi's Cyber World · License & reuse
Indicators of Compromise
| ID | Type | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-40982 | Path Traversal | Spring Cloud Config spring-cloud-config-server module |
| CVE-2026-40982 | Path Traversal | Spring Cloud Config 3.1.x versions 3.1.0 through 3.1.13 |
| CVE-2026-40982 | Path Traversal | Spring Cloud Config 4.1.x versions 4.1.0 through 4.1.9 |
| CVE-2026-40982 | Path Traversal | Spring Cloud Config 4.2.x versions 4.2.0 through 4.2.6 |
| CVE-2026-40982 | Path Traversal | Spring Cloud Config 4.3.x versions 4.3.0 through 4.3.2 |
Written by SCW Vulnerability Desk
Source & Attribution
| Source Platform | NVD |
| Channel | National Vulnerability Database |
| Published | May 07, 2026 at 07:16 UTC |
This content was AI-rewritten and enriched by Shimi's Cyber World based on the original source. All intellectual property rights remain with the original author.
Believe this infringes your rights? Submit a takedown request.
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