CVE-2026-40973: A local attacker on the same host as the application may be able to take control of the directory used by `App

Routine

HIGH 7.0UPGRADE

CVE-2026-40973 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.0) affecting spring boot. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A local attacker on the same host as the application may be able to take control of the directory used by `ApplicationTemp`. When `server.servlet.session.persistent` is set to `true` and the attack persists across application restarts, this may allow the attacker to read session information and hijack authenticated users or deploy a gadget chain and execute code as the application's user. Affected: Spring Boot 4.0.0–4.0.5 (fix 4.0.6), 3.5.0–3.5.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.0 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 97%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-377
Published	2026-04-28
Last modified	2026-07-24

Publisher (CNA): VMware · Vendor: vmware

Last updated 2026-07-24 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-04-28 00:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-24 21:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

vmware spring boot UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.7.33 · >= 3.3.0 and < 3.3.19 · >= 3.4.0 and < 3.4.16 · >= 3.5.0 and < 3.5.14 · >= 4.0.0 and < 4.0.6

Fixed in: 2.7.33, 3.3.19, 3.4.16, 3.5.14, 4.0.6

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.3.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy spring-boot || rpm -q spring-boot || spring-boot --version

2. UPGRADE to 2.7.33 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade spring-boot

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade spring-boot

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 3.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison spring-boot sudo apt install spring-boot=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.3.0> sudo apt-mark hold spring-boot

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

dnf --showduplicates list spring-boot sudo dnf downgrade spring-boot-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.3.0> sudo dnf versionlock add spring-boot

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-2026-40973?

spring boot: upgrade to 2.7.33, 3.3.19, 3.4.16, 3.5.14, 4.0.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-40973 being exploited?

CVE-2026-40973 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-2026-40973 affect?

CVE-2026-40973 affects spring boot. Severity is high (CVSS 7.0). A local attacker on the same host as the application may be able to take control of the directory used by `ApplicationTemp`. When `server.servlet.session.persistent` is set to `true` and the attack persists across application restarts, this

How urgent is CVE-2026-40973?

Priority 25/100. High severity

Software pages

Spring Framework vulnerabilities · VMware vulnerabilities

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References

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