CVE-2026-82877 in ILIAS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2026
ILIAS versions before 9.22, 10.0 through 10.9, and 11.0 through 11.2 contain an arbitrary file read vulnerability in the SOAP addFile method that allows authenticated users to read server files by supplying crafted XML with COPY-mode imports. Attackers can construct absolute file paths through an unsandboxed import directory and retrieve sensitive files including configuration files containing database credentials and setup passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2026
The ILIAS learning management system, specifically versions prior to 9.22 as well as the 10.x series from 10.0 through 10.9 and the 11.x series from 11.0 through 11.2, suffers from a critical arbitrary file read vulnerability within its SOAP interface implementation. This security flaw is located in the addFile method, which is designed to handle file imports via Simple Object Access Protocol requests. The core technical deficiency arises from an unsandboxed import directory mechanism that fails to properly validate or restrict absolute file paths supplied by authenticated users during COPY-mode imports. By constructing malicious XML payloads containing carefully crafted absolute pathnames, attackers can bypass intended access controls and traverse the server filesystem beyond the designated upload directories. This lack of input sanitization allows the application to interpret user-supplied strings as direct system paths rather than relative references within a controlled sandbox environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe because it grants authenticated users the ability to read arbitrary files from the underlying operating system where ILIAS is hosted. Since authentication is required, an attacker must first obtain valid credentials for any account on the platform. Once authenticated, they can exploit the SOAP endpoint to retrieve sensitive configuration files that contain database connection strings, including plaintext passwords and host details. Additionally, setup password files and other critical application configurations become accessible. The exposure of these artifacts significantly escalates the risk profile from a simple information disclosure issue to one that facilitates further compromise, such as direct database access or full system takeover if combined with other vulnerabilities like remote code execution flaws often found in associated services.
From an industry standards perspective, this vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as path traversal. The failure to enforce strict boundaries on file access operations allows the application to interact with resources outside its intended scope. In terms of attack tactics, this exploitation falls under MITRE ATT&CK technique T1083: File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries probe for sensitive information that can aid in subsequent stages of an intrusion campaign. The use of SOAP interfaces also highlights risks associated with complex protocol implementations that may expose additional endpoints or methods not intended for general user interaction, emphasizing the need for strict API governance and input validation across all service layers.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate patching to the latest stable version of ILIAS where this issue has been addressed by developers through improved path sanitization and sandbox enforcement. In environments where upgrading is not immediately feasible, administrators should restrict access to SOAP endpoints using web application firewalls or network-level controls to limit exposure to trusted IP addresses only. Additionally, implementing strict file upload validation that rejects absolute paths and enforces directory confinement can provide a layer of defense in depth. Regular audits of configuration files for exposed credentials are also recommended, along with rotating any potentially compromised database passwords if the vulnerability was actively exploited within the organization's infrastructure.