The Java-springboot-codebase version 1.1 contains a critical security vulnerability classified as an Arbitrary File Read flaw (CVE-2025-46822). This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to read arbitrary files from the server's filesystem by exploiting an insecure API endpoint. Specifically, the vulnerable endpoint is exposed at /api/v1/files/{file_path}, where the file_path parameter is not properly sanitized, enabling path traversal attacks. The exploit leverages this flaw by sending crafted HTTP GET requests with URL-encoded absolute file paths to retrieve sensitive files such as /etc/passwd or application configuration files. The provided exploit code, written in Python 3, automates this attack by accepting a target URL and a file path, then issuing the request and displaying or saving the file contents if successful. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, making it highly accessible to remote attackers. The flaw impacts confidentiality severely, as attackers can access sensitive system and application data, potentially leading to further compromise. The vulnerability was tested on Debian Linux, but given the nature of the flaw, it likely affects any deployment of the Java-springboot-codebase 1.1 regardless of the underlying OS. No patches or vendor mitigations are currently listed, and no known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, though the availability of public exploit code increases the risk of exploitation.

European organizations using Java-springboot-codebase 1.1 in their web applications face significant risks from this vulnerability. The arbitrary file read can expose sensitive internal files, including credentials, configuration files, and system information, which can be leveraged for privilege escalation, lateral movement, or data exfiltration. This is particularly critical for sectors handling sensitive personal data under GDPR, such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies. The breach of confidentiality could lead to regulatory fines, reputational damage, and operational disruption. Additionally, the ease of exploitation without authentication increases the likelihood of automated scanning and exploitation attempts. Organizations relying on this codebase for customer-facing or internal applications must consider the potential for widespread impact, including exposure of intellectual property or internal network details. The lack of patches and the presence of public exploit code further elevate the threat level, necessitating immediate attention.

1. Immediate mitigation should involve restricting access to the vulnerable API endpoint via network-level controls such as firewalls or web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to block suspicious path traversal patterns or unauthorized access to /api/v1/files/. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on the file_path parameter to disallow traversal sequences (e.g., ../) and enforce a whitelist of accessible directories or files. 3. Apply the principle of least privilege by running the application with minimal filesystem permissions, preventing access to sensitive files outside the application scope. 4. Monitor web server and application logs for unusual requests targeting the file read endpoint, especially those containing encoded traversal sequences or attempts to access sensitive files. 5. If possible, upgrade or patch the Java-springboot-codebase to a version where this vulnerability is fixed; if no official patch exists, consider temporary code modifications to disable or secure the file read functionality. 6. Conduct thorough security testing and code review of the application to identify and remediate similar insecure direct object references or path traversal vulnerabilities. 7. Educate development teams on secure coding practices related to file access and input validation to prevent recurrence.