Overview
CVE-2025-2305 is a critical vulnerability identified in the file download functionality of a Linux server, which could potentially lead to significant system compromise and data leakage. This vulnerability has been found to affect unauthenticated users, allowing them to download arbitrary files in the context of the application server. Considering the widespread usage of Linux servers across various industries, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk to businesses and individuals alike, emphasizing the importance of immediate mitigation.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-2305
Severity: High (8.6 CVSS Score)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: System compromise and potential data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
Linux-Based Server | All Prior Versions
How the Exploit Works
The exploit takes advantage of the path traversal vulnerability in the file download functionality of the Linux server. An unauthenticated user can manipulate the file path that the server uses when downloading files. By altering the path, the attacker can trick the server into accessing files outside of the intended directory, thereby allowing the download of arbitrary files.
Conceptual Example Code
Here is a conceptual example of how an attacker might exploit this vulnerability using a HTTP request:
GET /file/download?path=../../../../etc/passwd HTTP/1.1
Host: vulnerable.server.comIn this example, the attacker attempts to download the ‘/etc/passwd’ file, which is a commonly targeted Linux system file that contains user account information. The ‘../’ sequence is used to traverse up the directory structure, moving out of the intended directory and into sensitive areas of the file system.
Mitigation Guidance
To mitigate this vulnerability, the most effective solution is to apply a vendor-provided patch. In the absence of a patch, or until one is available, a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can be used as a temporary mitigation measure. These systems can be configured to detect and block path traversal attack patterns, providing a safeguard against potential exploitation.
In addition to these measures, it is recommended to employ the principle of least privilege for file access on the server, ensuring that sensitive files have the appropriate access controls in place to prevent unauthorized access.
As with any security vulnerability, it is important to regularly update and patch your systems as part of a proactive cybersecurity strategy to protect against potential threats.