CVE-2026-22737 in Spring Framework
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2026
Use of Java scripting engine enabled (e.g. JRuby, Jython) template views in Spring MVC and Spring WebFlux applications can result in disclosure of content from files outside the configured locations for script template views. This issue affects Spring Framework: from 7.0.0 through 7.0.5, from 6.2.0 through 6.2.16, from 6.1.0 through 6.1.25, from 5.3.0 through 5.3.46.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical path traversal and information disclosure flaw within Spring Framework's template view handling mechanisms. The issue specifically impacts applications that utilize Java scripting engines such as JRuby and Jython within their Spring MVC and Spring WebFlux implementations. When these scripting engines are enabled for template views, the framework fails to properly validate file paths, allowing malicious actors to access resources outside the intended configuration boundaries. The vulnerability exists across multiple major versions of the Spring Framework, spanning from version 5.3.0 through 5.3.46, 6.1.0 through 6.1.25, 6.2.0 through 6.2.16, and 7.0.0 through 7.0.5, indicating a widespread exposure across the framework's lifecycle. This flaw directly relates to CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-200 Information Exposure, as it enables unauthorized access to sensitive files that should remain protected within configured security boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web application security and scripting engine management, where the template processing system does not adequately sanitize input paths before resolving them against the file system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Spring Framework processes template views that utilize scripting engines, particularly in scenarios where the application's template configuration allows for dynamic script loading. Attackers can manipulate template view names or paths to traverse directory structures beyond the intended security boundaries, potentially accessing sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, application logs, or other confidential resources. The flaw manifests when the framework's template resolution mechanism fails to properly validate or sanitize the paths used for script template views, allowing path traversal sequences to be interpreted by the underlying file system. This issue particularly affects applications that dynamically generate templates or allow user input to influence template selection, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious paths that bypass normal file system access controls. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable further exploitation through the exposure of sensitive application configuration data that could aid in subsequent attack phases.
The operational impact of CVE-2026-22737 is significant for organizations running affected Spring Framework versions, as it creates a persistent risk for data leakage across multiple application environments. Applications utilizing scripting engines for template processing become vulnerable to attacks that could expose sensitive business data, system configurations, or credentials stored in files outside the normal application directories. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise applications that rely on Spring Framework's template view capabilities, especially those handling sensitive data or operating in regulated environments where information disclosure could result in compliance violations. The broad version range affected suggests that many production systems across different Spring Framework releases may be exposed, requiring immediate attention and remediation efforts. Organizations utilizing Spring WebFlux or Spring MVC with scripting engine support for template views face the highest risk, as these frameworks are commonly deployed in production environments handling critical business operations. The vulnerability can be exploited through standard web application attacks, making it accessible to threat actors with basic web application exploitation knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Spring Framework versions to the latest secure releases, which address the path validation and sanitization issues in template view processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation for all template view names and paths, particularly when these inputs originate from user-controlled sources or dynamic configuration elements. Security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that template view directories are properly restricted and that scripting engines are not unnecessarily enabled for template processing. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional detection and prevention capabilities, though they should not be relied upon as the sole defense mechanism. Application-level controls including proper path validation, directory traversal prevention, and least privilege access to template directories should be implemented. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1083 File and Directory Discovery and T1213 Data from Information Repositories, indicating that exploitation typically involves reconnaissance and data extraction phases. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify other potential path traversal vulnerabilities within the application stack. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around template view processing and scripting engine usage.