CVE-2017-16894
HighExploitedPublic exploitIn Laravel framework through 5.5.21, remote attackers can obtain sensitive information (such as externally usable passwords) via a direct request for the /.env URI.
Published Nov 20, 2017 · Updated Jul 8, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2017-16894 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting Laravel, php-laravel-framework (debian).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Apr 29, 2025. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 87% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Laravel 5.5.21, php-laravel-framework 0.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.5
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
87%
Higher than 99.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2017-16894 brief as a PDF
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Description
In Laravel framework through 5.5.21, remote attackers can obtain sensitive information (such as externally usable passwords) via a direct request for the /.env URI. NOTE: this CVE is only about Laravel framework's writeNewEnvironmentFileWith function in src/Illuminate/Foundation/Console/KeyGenerateCommand.php, which uses file_put_contents without restricting the .env permissions. The .env filename is not used exclusively by Laravel framework.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 29, 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
6 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| LaravelLaravel | See advisory | 5.5.21 |
| php-laravel-frameworkdebian | See advisory | 0 |
Patched Releases
Laravel
5.5.21
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 20, 2017
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 29, 2025
Last updated
Jul 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-200 Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor
References
- advisoryhttp://whiteboyz.xyz/laravel-env-file-vuln.html
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitMSF laravel_token_unserialize_exec.rb
- exploitExploitDB-47129
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
In Laravel framework through 5.5.21, remote attackers can obtain sensitive information (such as externally usable passwords) via a direct request for the /.env URI.
Affected: Laravel; php-laravel-framework (debian). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Apr 29, 2025.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Laravel 5.5.21, php-laravel-framework 0.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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