CVE-2026-16531 in Red Hat
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit a path traversal vulnerability in the PCP pmproxy logger servlet using a crafted hostname. This allows arbitrary file and directory creation, potentially leading to a denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw in the PCP pmproxy logger servlet that enables unauthenticated remote code execution through crafted hostname manipulation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the servlet's hostname processing logic, allowing attackers to manipulate file system paths through specially crafted hostnames. When the application processes these malformed inputs, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the hostname parameter before using it in file system operations, creating an opportunity for arbitrary file creation and directory manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages CWE-22 Path Traversal weaknesses where attacker-controlled input directly influences file system operations without proper sanitization. The pmproxy logger servlet appears to use the hostname parameter as part of a file path construction mechanism, enabling attackers to traverse directory structures beyond intended boundaries. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the service is exposed to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file creation capabilities, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise through denial of service conditions or privilege escalation attacks. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, create malicious executables in system directories, or manipulate log files to hide malicious activities. The path traversal capability allows for both horizontal and vertical privilege escalation depending on the application's execution context and file system permissions. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1486 Data Encrypted for Impact, as it provides attackers with pathways to manipulate system resources and potentially disrupt service availability.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms that sanitize all hostname parameters before they are processed in file system operations. The solution requires proper path normalization and validation using established security libraries or frameworks that prevent directory traversal attempts. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege for the pmproxy service, ensuring it operates with minimal required permissions and restricts access to critical system directories through mandatory access controls. Network segmentation and firewall rules should limit exposure of the pmproxy service to trusted networks only, while implementing comprehensive monitoring to detect suspicious file creation patterns or path traversal attempts. Regular security scanning and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other application components that may be susceptible to similar input validation flaws.