Apache MINA SSHD: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory
CVE-2026-56452 is a high-severity improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory vulnerability in Apache MINA SSHD from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Apache MINA SSHD versions: 2.18.0 and earlier; 3.0.0-M1 through 3.0.0-M4. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.77% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 56% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Mina Sshd to 2.19.0 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on lists.apache.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Apache MINA SSHD | 2.18.0 and earlier; 3.0.0-M1 through 3.0.0-M4 | Not stated |
| Apache | Mina Sshd | 2.0.0 up to, but not including, 2.19.0; 3.0.0 | 2.19.0 |
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
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (apache.org).
Official description
Path traversal in the sshd-scp component of Apache MINA SSHD. Apache MINA SSHD is a Java library for client-side and server-side SSH. The implementation of receiving files or directories via SCP did not validate filenames in SCP "C" or "D" commands. A malicious sender could send filenames containing paths, resulting in files to be written in attacker-controlled places. The issue affects only * applications that use no longer supported Apache MINA SSHD versions < 2.0.0 and use the SCP functions to receive files, * or applications using sshd-scp in Apache MINA SSHD >= 2.0.0 to receive files. Applications using Apache MINA SSHD >= 2.0.0 not using sshd-scp are not affected. The issue is fixed in Apache MINA 2.19.0 and 3.0.0-M5. Affected applications are advised to upgrade to these versions.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory
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.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid.
- 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.
More Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory vulnerabilities (CWE-22)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/07/20/15Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Apache MINA SSHD
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.3 High severity
Recent Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory vulnerabilities
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
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