CVE-2025-11031 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in DataTables versions up to 1.10.13, specifically involving the /examples/resources/examples.php file. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the 'src' argument, which can be manipulated remotely to traverse directories on the server. This flaw allows an attacker to access files outside the intended directory scope, potentially exposing sensitive information or system files. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, and the attack vector is network-based, making exploitation feasible remotely. The issue was initially reported in the context of the Faculty Management System but was traced back to DataTables as an upstream component. The vendor notes that the vulnerable file is primarily intended for example purposes and should not be deployed in production environments. The vulnerability has a CVSS 4.0 base score of 6.9, categorized as medium severity, reflecting a moderate impact on confidentiality with no impact on integrity or availability. The vendor has released version 1.10.15, which addresses the issue by removing or securing the vulnerable example file. Exploits have been published, but no widespread exploitation in the wild has been reported yet.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to web applications that include the vulnerable DataTables example files in their production environment. If exploited, attackers could access sensitive files on the server, potentially leading to information disclosure of configuration files, credentials, or other critical data. This could facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. Organizations relying on web applications that embed DataTables without proper hardening or those that inadvertently deploy example files are at risk. The impact is heightened for sectors with stringent data protection requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and government, where unauthorized data access could lead to regulatory penalties under GDPR and damage to reputation. However, since the vulnerability does not allow code execution or system compromise directly, the overall impact is limited to confidentiality breaches rather than full system compromise.

European organizations should immediately audit their web applications to identify any deployment of DataTables versions 1.10.0 through 1.10.13, specifically checking for the presence of the /examples/resources/examples.php file or similar example files. The primary mitigation is to upgrade DataTables to version 1.10.15 or later, which removes or secures the vulnerable example file. If upgrading is not immediately feasible, organizations should remove the vulnerable example files from their web servers to eliminate the attack surface. Additionally, web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block path traversal attempts targeting the 'src' parameter. Implementing strict input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied parameters is critical to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to ensure no example or test files are deployed in production environments. Finally, monitoring web server logs for suspicious access patterns related to path traversal attempts can aid in early detection of exploitation attempts.