CVE-2015-5531
MediumExploitedPublic exploitImproper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory in Elasticsearch
Published May 14, 2022 · Updated Jul 16, 2025 · Also known as GHSA-jjq8-vfjq-j6v4, UBUNTU-CVE-2015-5531
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2015-5531 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 5.0 v2) affecting Elasticsearch, org.elasticsearch:elasticsearch (maven).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since May 27, 2025. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 95% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Elasticsearch 1.6.0, org.elasticsearch:elasticsearch 1.6.1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v2
5.0
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
95%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
Directory traversal vulnerability in Elasticsearch before 1.6.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors related to snapshot API calls.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | May 27, 2025 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| ElasticsearchElasticsearch | See advisory | 1.6.0 |
| org.elasticsearch:elasticsearchmaven | See advisory | 1.6.1 |
Patched Releases
Elasticsearch
1.6.0
org.elasticsearch:elasticsearch
1.6.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 14, 2022
Added to Industry KEV feed
May 27, 2025
Last updated
Jul 16, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
References
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2015-5531
- advisoryhttps://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2015-5531
- advisoryhttps://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2015-5531
- advisoryhttps://www.elastic.co/blog/elasticsearch-1-7-0-and-1-6-1-released#security
FAQ
Common Questions.
Directory traversal vulnerability in Elasticsearch before 1.6.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors related to snapshot API calls.
Affected: Elasticsearch; org.elasticsearch:elasticsearch (maven). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since May 27, 2025.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Elasticsearch 1.6.0, org.elasticsearch:elasticsearch 1.6.1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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