CVE-2026-47894 in Cloud Config
Summary
by MITRE • 08/27/2026
Spring Cloud Config Server native environment repository allows exposure of configuration files outside of the configured repository path. Spring Cloud Config 5.0.0 - 5.0.4 Spring Cloud Config 4.3.0 - 4.3.4 Spring Cloud Config 4.0.0 - 4.2.8 Spring Cloud Config 3.1.14 and earlier
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2026
The vulnerability identified in Spring Cloud Config Server versions ranging from 3.1.14 through 5.0.4 involves a critical path traversal flaw within the native environment repository implementation. This security issue arises when the server processes requests for configuration files, allowing an attacker to manipulate file paths using directory traversal sequences such as dot-dot-slash characters. By exploiting this weakness, it is possible to access and retrieve sensitive configuration data that resides outside of the intended local filesystem path designated by the application administrator. The root cause lies in insufficient validation or sanitization of user-supplied input before resolving the absolute path on the underlying operating system, a classic failure pattern often categorized under CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a severe risk to application security and data integrity because configuration files frequently contain hardcoded credentials, database connection strings, API keys, and other secrets essential for system operation. An unauthenticated or authenticated attacker with network access to the Spring Cloud Config Server endpoint can leverage this flaw to read arbitrary files from the server's filesystem. This capability effectively bypasses the isolation mechanisms intended by the native repository configuration, leading to a complete compromise of confidential information stored on the host machine. The impact extends beyond simple data leakage, as exposed secrets can be used for further lateral movement within the infrastructure or direct exploitation of dependent services that rely on these compromised credentials.
The attack vector aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to Collection and Credential Access techniques where adversaries seek to gather sensitive information from local system resources. The exploitability is heightened by the fact that Spring Cloud Config Server is often deployed as a central configuration management service, making it an attractive target for reconnaissance activities aimed at mapping out internal network structures and identifying high-value targets through exposed secrets. Successful exploitation requires only basic knowledge of file path syntax and does not necessarily require complex payload construction or privilege escalation beyond what is granted to the application process itself.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate patching to a version where this issue has been resolved, specifically versions later than 5.0.4 for the main line and appropriate maintenance releases for older branches if available. In environments where upgrading is not immediately feasible, administrators should implement strict network-level access controls using firewalls or reverse proxies to restrict access to the configuration endpoints exclusively from trusted internal networks. Additionally, deploying Web Application Firewalls with rules capable of detecting and blocking directory traversal patterns can provide a layer of defense in depth. It is also crucial to audit existing configurations to ensure that sensitive data such as passwords are not stored in plaintext within native repository files but instead utilize encrypted properties or external secret management solutions like HashiCorp Vault or AWS Secrets Manager, thereby reducing the impact even if file access occurs.