CVE-2016-7982 in SPIP
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in ecrire/exec/valider_xml.php in SPIP 3.1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to enumerate the files on the system via the var_url parameter in a valider_xml action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7982 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SPIP content management system version 3.1.2 and earlier. This weakness exists in the ecrire/exec/valider_xml.php component which processes XML validation requests through the valider_xml action. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of the var_url parameter, which is used to specify URLs for XML validation purposes. Attackers can exploit this flaw by manipulating the var_url parameter to traverse directories beyond the intended scope, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the underlying file system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the XML validation process. When the system processes the var_url parameter, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it to access system files. This allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted URLs that can bypass normal directory restrictions and enumerate files on the server. The vulnerability operates at the file system level, enabling attackers to access sensitive files, configuration data, and potentially execute arbitrary code depending on the system configuration and file permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using affected SPIP versions, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to perform reconnaissance and potentially escalate privileges. Successful exploitation can lead to information disclosure, where attackers can enumerate system files and potentially discover sensitive data such as database credentials, configuration files, or other system artifacts. This enumeration capability can serve as a foundation for further attacks, including privilege escalation attempts or the discovery of additional vulnerabilities within the system. The remote nature of the attack means that no local system access is required, making it particularly dangerous for web applications.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The attack pattern follows the characteristics described in the ATT&CK framework under T1083, which covers File and Directory Discovery techniques. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to SPIP version 3.1.3 or later, which contains patches for this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation, restricting file system access for web applications, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. Network segmentation and regular security monitoring should also be employed to detect potential exploitation attempts and limit the impact of such vulnerabilities within the broader network infrastructure.