CVE-2026-40985: CWE-917: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement in Spring Spring Web Flow
Applications that configure the WebFlowELExpressionParser are vulnerable to the use of malicious Unified EL expressions. Affected versions: Spring Web Flow 4.0.0; 3.0.0 through 3.0.1; 2.5.0 through 2.5.1.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CWE-917) in Spring Web Flow arises from improper neutralization of special elements in Expression Language statements, specifically when the WebFlowELExpressionParser is configured by applications. This flaw allows attackers to inject malicious Unified EL expressions, potentially leading to high confidentiality and integrity impacts. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4 (medium), reflecting network attack vector, high attack complexity, low privileges required, and user interaction needed. Affected versions explicitly include 4.0.0, 3.0.0, and 2.5.0. No vendor advisory or patch information is available at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure and modification of sensitive data due to the injection of malicious EL expressions. The vulnerability does not impact availability. The CVSS vector indicates high confidentiality and integrity impact but no availability impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, avoid configuring the WebFlowELExpressionParser in a way that processes untrusted input or apply strict input validation and sanitization on expressions used.
CVE-2026-40985: CWE-917: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement in Spring Spring Web Flow
Description
Applications that configure the WebFlowELExpressionParser are vulnerable to the use of malicious Unified EL expressions. Affected versions: Spring Web Flow 4.0.0; 3.0.0 through 3.0.1; 2.5.0 through 2.5.1.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.4medium
Affected software
pkg:maven/org.springframework/spring-webflowRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CWE-917) in Spring Web Flow arises from improper neutralization of special elements in Expression Language statements, specifically when the WebFlowELExpressionParser is configured by applications. This flaw allows attackers to inject malicious Unified EL expressions, potentially leading to high confidentiality and integrity impacts. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4 (medium), reflecting network attack vector, high attack complexity, low privileges required, and user interaction needed. Affected versions explicitly include 4.0.0, 3.0.0, and 2.5.0. No vendor advisory or patch information is available at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure and modification of sensitive data due to the injection of malicious EL expressions. The vulnerability does not impact availability. The CVSS vector indicates high confidentiality and integrity impact but no availability impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, avoid configuring the WebFlowELExpressionParser in a way that processes untrusted input or apply strict input validation and sanitization on expressions used.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- vmware
- Date Reserved
- 2026-04-16T02:19:09.388Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a2a44b63187570649108446
Added to database: 6/11/2026, 5:16:38 AM
Last enriched: 6/11/2026, 5:30:26 AM
Last updated: 6/11/2026, 5:45:34 PM
Views: 14
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