CVE-2026-17473 in Documentation Offline
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2026
IBM Documentation Offline 1.0.0 through 1.4.1 could allow a remote attacker to read arbitrary files due to improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2026
This vulnerability exists in IBM Documentation Offline version 1.0.0 through 1.4.1 and represents a classic path traversal flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers to access unauthorized files on the affected system. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of file path parameters, allowing malicious actors to manipulate directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside of intended directories and access sensitive files. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-22 Path Traversal which falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references in software security.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows attackers to construct malicious file paths that bypass normal access controls, potentially leading to exposure of configuration files, source code, database credentials, or other sensitive information stored on the same system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables arbitrary file reading without requiring authentication or specific user privileges, making it highly exploitable in both authenticated and unauthenticated attack scenarios. Attackers can leverage this weakness through web interfaces or API endpoints that process file path parameters, constructing requests that traverse directory structures to access restricted resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gain access to database connection strings, application secrets, cryptographic keys, or administrative configuration files that would provide further attack vectors. The affected IBM Documentation Offline product likely processes user-supplied file paths for document retrieval or content management functions, making it a prime target for path traversal attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery which describes methods used to enumerate file systems and locate sensitive information.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of IBM Documentation Offline should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all file path parameters, implementing proper access controls and directory restrictions, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to patched versions of the software where input validation has been properly implemented to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems that may be susceptible to the same class of attack. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security monitoring can help detect exploitation attempts and minimize potential damage from successful attacks.