ManageEngine M365 Manager Plus: Relative Path Traversal
CVE-2026-16053 is a high-severity relative path traversal vulnerability in ManageEngine M365 Manager Plus from Zoho, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 4820 as the first without the flaw, so updating ManageEngine M365 Manager Plus to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.77% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 78% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update ManageEngine M365 Manager Plus to 4820 or a later version.
- Update ManageEngine M365 Security Plus to 4820 or a later version.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoho | ManageEngine M365 Manager Plus | before 4820 | 4820 |
| Zoho | ManageEngine M365 Security Plus | before 4820 | 4820 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- LowLimited modification of data is possible.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:L/A:H. Scored by CNA.
Official description
Zohocorp ManageEngine M365 Manager Plus and M365 Security Plus versions below 4820 are affected to Authenticated Path Traversal vulnerability in Exchange Online backup module.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Relative Path Traversal
The product uses external input to construct a pathname that should be within a restricted directory, but it does not properly neutralize sequences such as.. that can resolve to a location that is outside of that directory.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an application firewall that can detect attacks against this weakness. It can be beneficial in cases in which the code cannot be fixed (because it is controlled by a third party), as an emergency prevention measure while more comprehensive software assurance measures are applied, or to provide defense in depth.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in ManageEngine M365 Manager Plus
- 9.0 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
Recent Relative Path Traversal vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
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