CVE-2026-7314: Spire-Doc-MCP Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2026-7314 Overview

A path traversal vulnerability has been identified in eiceblue spire-doc-mcp-server version 1.0.0. This security flaw affects the get_doc_path function within the file src/spire_doc_mcp/api/base.py. By manipulating the document_name argument, an attacker can traverse directory paths and potentially access files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network, and exploit details have been made publicly available. The project maintainers were notified through an issue report but have not yet responded.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can exploit this path traversal vulnerability to access arbitrary files on the server, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive configuration files, credentials, or other confidential data.

Affected Products

• eiceblue spire-doc-mcp-server 1.0.0
• Python applications utilizing the affected get_doc_path function
• Systems exposing the spire-doc-mcp-server API to network access

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-04-28 - CVE-2026-7314 published to NVD
• 2026-04-29 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-7314

Vulnerability Analysis

This path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) exists in the get_doc_path function located in src/spire_doc_mcp/api/base.py. The function fails to properly sanitize or validate the document_name parameter before using it to construct file paths. This insufficient input validation allows attackers to inject directory traversal sequences (such as ../) into the document name, enabling them to escape the intended document directory and access files elsewhere on the filesystem.

The vulnerability is exploitable remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly concerning for deployments exposed to untrusted networks. The public availability of exploit information increases the risk of active exploitation attempts.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper input validation in the get_doc_path function. The function directly uses user-supplied input (the document_name argument) to build file system paths without adequately sanitizing path traversal sequences. This allows malicious input containing sequences like ../ or absolute paths to break out of the expected directory context and reference arbitrary locations on the file system.

Attack Vector

The attack can be initiated remotely over the network. An attacker sends a crafted request to the spire-doc-mcp-server with a malicious document_name parameter containing path traversal sequences. When the server processes this request through the vulnerable get_doc_path function, it constructs a path that points outside the intended document directory.

For example, an attacker could supply a document name like ../../../etc/passwd to attempt to read system files, or traverse to other application directories to access configuration files, API keys, or database credentials. The attack requires no authentication or special privileges, making it accessible to any network user who can reach the vulnerable endpoint.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-7314

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, ..%5c) in document name parameters
• Unusual file access patterns in server logs showing attempts to read files outside the document directory
• Access attempts to sensitive system files like /etc/passwd, configuration files, or environment files
• Error logs indicating file not found errors for paths outside the application directory structure

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block requests containing path traversal patterns in parameters
• Monitor application logs for requests with suspicious document_name values containing relative path components
• Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for path traversal attack patterns
• Review access logs for sequential probing attempts that indicate directory enumeration

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for the spire-doc-mcp-server API to capture all file access requests
• Set up alerts for any requests attempting to access files outside the designated document directory
• Monitor for unusual network traffic patterns to the spire-doc-mcp-server endpoints
• Implement file integrity monitoring on sensitive system and configuration files

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-7314

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to the spire-doc-mcp-server to trusted hosts and networks only
• Implement input validation at the network perimeter using a WAF or reverse proxy to filter path traversal sequences
• Review and audit all file access logs for evidence of exploitation attempts
• Consider temporarily disabling the affected functionality until a patch is available

Patch Information

As of the last update, the project maintainers have not responded to the vulnerability disclosure. Monitor the GitHub repository and the GitHub issue tracker for updates on an official fix. Additional vulnerability details are available via the VulDB vulnerability report.

Workarounds

• Apply input sanitization at the application layer to strip or reject path traversal sequences from the document_name parameter
• Implement a whitelist approach that only allows alphanumeric characters and specific safe characters in document names
• Use chroot or containerization to limit the server's filesystem access to only necessary directories
• Deploy a reverse proxy that validates and sanitizes all incoming requests before forwarding to the application

# Example: Basic input validation pattern for document names
# Reject any document_name containing path traversal sequences
# Add this to your reverse proxy or application middleware

# Nginx location block example to block path traversal
location /api/ {
    if ($request_uri ~* "\.\.") {
        return 403;
    }
    proxy_pass http://backend;
}