CVE-2025-66689
Unknown Unknown - Not Provided
Path Traversal in Zen MCP Server Allows Arbitrary File Read

Publication date: 2026-01-12

Last updated on: 2026-01-12

Assigner: MITRE

Description
A path traversal vulnerability exists in Zen MCP Server before 9.8.2 that allows authenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on the system. The vulnerability is caused by flawed logic in the is_dangerous_path() validation function that uses exact string matching against a blacklist of system directories. Attackers can bypass these restrictions by accessing subdirectories of blacklisted paths.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-01-12
Last Modified
2026-01-12
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-01-13
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2025-66689
EUVD
EUVD-2026-1917
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
zen mcp_server 9.8.2
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-552 The product makes files or directories accessible to unauthorized actors, even though they should not be.
CWE-22 The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a path traversal flaw in Zen MCP Server versions before 9.8.2. It allows authenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on the system by bypassing the is_dangerous_path() validation function. The function attempts to block access to certain system directories using exact string matching against a blacklist, but attackers can circumvent this by accessing subdirectories within those blacklisted paths.

Impact Analysis

An attacker who exploits this vulnerability can read arbitrary files on the affected system. This could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, potentially compromising system security and privacy.

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