CVE-2015-5211: Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties in org.springframework:spring-core
Summary
CVE-2015-5211: Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties in org.springframework:spring-core. Affects org.springframework:spring-core across 3 version ranges.
< 3.2.15
>= 4.0.0, < 4.1.8
>= 4.2.0, < 4.2.2
Fixed in 3.2.15, 4.1.8 or 4.2.2, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- libspring-java · Debian:11
The same CVE-2015-5211 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
org.springframework:spring-core is a popular open-source Java framework that provides core functionality for the Spring Framework. It is widely used in enterprise applications for dependency injection, data access, and other essential features. However, versions 4.2.0 to 4.2.1, 4.0.0 to 4.1.7, 3.2.0 to 3.2.14, and older unsupported versions of spring-core are vulnerable to a Reflected File Download (RFD) attack. This vulnerability allows malicious users to craft URLs that trick the application into downloading files instead of rendering them, potentially exposing sensitive information.
Vulnerability Detail
The Reflected File Download (RFD) attack in org.springframework:spring-core arises from a failure to properly validate user input. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a URL with a batch script extension, causing the server to respond with a file download instead of rendering the expected response. This can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information contained in the downloaded file. The vulnerability is rated as HIGH severity with a CVSS score of 8.6.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 7.1.0-RC1 as of 22 Oct 2026
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the versions below are the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you can't move to the latest
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 3.2.153.2.15 -
>= 4.0.0, < 4.1.84.1.8 -
>= 4.2.0, < 4.2.24.2.2
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to apply the recommended fixes by upgrading to the patched versions of org.springframework:spring-core.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in org.springframework:spring-core exposes applications to a Reflected File Download (RFD) attack, potentially leading to the disclosure of sensitive information. It is highly recommended to upgrade to the fixed versions of org.springframework:spring-core to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.springframework:spring-core →
FAQ
org.springframework:spring-core is a Java framework that provides core functionality for the Spring Framework, including dependency injection, data access, and other essential features.
A Reflected File Download (RFD) attack is a type of web vulnerability where an attacker tricks a user into downloading a file instead of rendering it. This can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information contained in the downloaded file.
Versions 4.2.0 to 4.2.1, 4.0.0 to 4.1.7, 3.2.0 to 3.2.14, and older unsupported versions of org.springframework:spring-core are affected by this vulnerability.
This vulnerability is rated as HIGH severity with a CVSS score of 8.6.
No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to apply the recommended fixes by upgrading to the patched versions of org.springframework:spring-core.
References
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