CVE-2018-13864: A directory traversal vulnerability has been found in the Assets controller in Play Framework 2.6.12 through 2

This month

HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2018-13864 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting play framework. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A directory traversal vulnerability has been found in the Assets controller in Play Framework 2.6.12 through 2.6.15 (fixed in 2.6.16) when running on Windows. It allows a remote attacker to download arbitrary files from the target server via specially crafted HTTP requests.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	3.4% (top 11%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2018-07-17
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: lightbend

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-07-17 12:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:40 UTCUpdated Record last modified

lightbend play framework UPGRADE

Affected: >= 2.6.12 and <= 2.6.15

Fixed in: newer than 2.6.15

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.6.12

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy play-framework || rpm -q play-framework || play-framework --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.6.15 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade play-framework

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade play-framework

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.6.12 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison play-framework sudo apt install play-framework=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.12> sudo apt-mark hold play-framework

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list play-framework sudo dnf downgrade play-framework-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.12> sudo dnf versionlock add play-framework

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2018-13864?

play framework: upgrade to newer than 2.6.15. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-13864 being exploited?

CVE-2018-13864 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2018-13864 affect?

CVE-2018-13864 affects play framework. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). A directory traversal vulnerability has been found in the Assets controller in Play Framework 2.6.12 through 2.6.15 (fixed in 2.6.16) when running on Windows. It allows a remote attacker to download arbitrary files from the target server vi

How urgent is CVE-2018-13864?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities

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References

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