CVE-2025-46822 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-36 (Absolute Path Traversal) affecting the OsamaTaher Java-springboot-codebase, a collection of Java and Spring Boot code snippets and projects. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to commit c835c6f7799eacada4c0fc77e0816f250af01ad2 due to insufficient path traversal protections. This flaw allows an attacker to craft requests that bypass intended directory restrictions and access arbitrary files on the underlying filesystem by specifying absolute paths. Because the vulnerability does not require authentication, user interaction, or privileges, it can be exploited remotely over the network (AV:N, PR:N, UI:N). The impact is primarily on confidentiality, as unauthorized access to sensitive internal files can lead to data leakage, exposure of credentials, configuration files, or source code. The vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability directly but could facilitate further attacks if sensitive information is disclosed. The patch commit referenced addresses the issue by implementing proper path validation and traversal mitigation techniques, preventing attackers from escaping the intended directory context. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the ease of exploitation and high impact warrant immediate attention. The CVSS 4.0 base score of 7.7 reflects the high risk posed by this vulnerability, with a vector indicating network attack, low complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and high confidentiality impact.

For European organizations using the OsamaTaher Java-springboot-codebase or incorporating its code snippets into their applications, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of unauthorized data exposure. Sensitive internal files such as configuration files, private keys, or proprietary source code could be accessed by attackers, potentially leading to intellectual property theft, compliance violations (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, attackers can target exposed applications directly over the internet. This is particularly concerning for organizations in sectors with stringent data protection requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and government. The exposure of sensitive data could also facilitate lateral movement within networks or enable further exploitation. Although no active exploits are known, the vulnerability’s presence in widely used Java Spring Boot codebases means that supply chain risks exist if vulnerable code is reused across multiple projects. European organizations relying on open-source or third-party Java Spring Boot components should assess their exposure promptly.

1. Immediate application of the patch introduced in commit c835c6f7799eacada4c0fc77e0816f250af01ad2 to all affected versions of the OsamaTaher Java-springboot-codebase. 2. Conduct a thorough code review of all file path handling logic to ensure robust validation and sanitization of user-supplied input, specifically preventing absolute path traversal by restricting file access to intended directories only. 3. Implement allow-listing of permissible file paths or directories and reject any input containing path traversal sequences or absolute paths. 4. Employ runtime application self-protection (RASP) or web application firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block path traversal attempts targeting vulnerable endpoints. 5. Audit all applications and services that incorporate this codebase or its snippets to identify and remediate vulnerable instances. 6. Enforce the principle of least privilege on file system permissions for application processes to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 7. Monitor logs for suspicious access patterns indicative of path traversal attempts and respond promptly. 8. Educate development teams on secure coding practices related to file handling to prevent recurrence.