CVE-2016-3976
HighExploitedPublic exploitDirectory traversal vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver AS Java 7.1 through 7.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a ..\ (dot dot backslash) in the fileName parameter to CrashFileDownloadServlet, aka SAP Security Note 2234971.
Published Apr 7, 2016 · Updated Apr 21, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2016-3976 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting Netweaver Application Server Java (Sap).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 8, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 47% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Netweaver Application Server Java 7.50.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
47%
Higher than 98.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2016-3976 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
Directory traversal vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver AS Java 7.1 through 7.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a ..\ (dot dot backslash) in the fileName parameter to CrashFileDownloadServlet, aka SAP Security Note 2234971.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 8, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Netweaver Application Server JavaSap | See advisory | 7.50 |
Patched Releases
Netweaver Application Server Java
7.50
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Apr 7, 2016
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 8, 2021
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Apr 21, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
References
- advisoryhttps://erpscan.io/advisories/erpscan-16-012/
- advisoryhttps://erpscan.io/press-center/blog/sap-security-notes-march-2016-review/
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/137528/SAP-NetWeaver-AS-JAVA-7.5-Directory-Traversal.html
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploit20160618 [ERPSCAN-16-012] SAP NetWeaver AS JAVA - directory traversal vulnerability
FAQ
Common Questions.
Directory traversal vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver AS Java 7.1 through 7.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a ..\ (dot dot backslash) in the fileName parameter to CrashFileDownloadServlet, aka SAP Security Note 2234971.
Affected: Netweaver Application Server Java (Sap). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 8, 2021.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Netweaver Application Server Java 7.50.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2016-3976 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo