CVE-2016-3976: SAP NetWeaver Directory Traversal Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2016-3976 is a high (CVSS 7.5) Path Traversal vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 03-11-2021. EPSS estimates a 47.25% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 98.8% of scored vulnerabilities. 3 public exploits are recorded.

Timeline

1. 07-04-2016
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 03-11-2021
   Added to CISA KEVSAP NetWeaver Directory Traversal Vulnerability
3. 03-05-2022
   CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
4. 21-10-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

Directory traversal vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver AS Java 7.1 through 7.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a ..\ (dot dot backslash) in the fileName parameter to CrashFileDownloadServlet, aka SAP Security Note 2234971.

• CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.