CVE-2025-14617 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in the Jehovahs Witnesses JW Library App for Android, specifically affecting versions 15.5.0 and 15.5.1. The vulnerability resides in an unspecified function within the component org.jw.jwlibrary.mobile.activity.SiloContainer, which improperly validates or sanitizes file path inputs. This flaw allows an attacker with local access and limited privileges (PR:L) to manipulate file paths, potentially accessing or modifying files outside the intended directory scope. The attack vector requires local access to the device but does not require user interaction or elevated privileges, making it feasible for a malicious app or user with limited permissions to exploit. The CVSS 4.0 vector (AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:L/VI:L/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P) reflects a medium severity rating, highlighting limited confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts but ease of exploitation once local access is obtained. The vulnerability could allow unauthorized reading or writing of files, leading to data leakage, corruption, or denial of service within the app environment. Although no public exploits are reported in the wild, the disclosure of exploit details increases the risk of future attacks. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices around file path handling and input validation in mobile applications.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-14617 depends largely on the usage of the JW Library App within their user base or workforce. While the app is primarily targeted at Jehovah’s Witnesses for religious study, organizations with employees or members using the app on Android devices could face risks of data exposure or manipulation. The path traversal flaw could allow attackers with local access—such as through a compromised device or malicious insider—to access sensitive files or disrupt app functionality. This may lead to confidentiality breaches if personal or organizational data is stored or cached by the app. Integrity could be compromised if files are altered, potentially affecting the reliability of the app’s content. Availability impacts are possible if critical files are deleted or corrupted. Given the medium severity and requirement for local access, the threat is moderate but should not be ignored, especially in environments with shared or less secure mobile devices. European organizations should consider the risk in contexts where device security is not tightly controlled or where the app is widely used.

1. Restrict local access to devices running the JW Library App by enforcing strong device authentication and limiting physical access. 2. Monitor for updates from the Jehovahs Witnesses JW Library App vendor and apply patches promptly once available. 3. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to control app installations and permissions, minimizing exposure to malicious apps that could exploit local vulnerabilities. 4. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications or granting unnecessary permissions that could facilitate local exploitation. 5. Implement file system monitoring on devices to detect unusual file access or modifications related to the app’s directories. 6. Encourage users to avoid rooting or jailbreaking devices, which can increase the risk of local privilege escalation and exploitation. 7. If feasible, isolate the app’s data storage using Android’s scoped storage features or sandboxing to limit the impact of path traversal. 8. Conduct regular security audits of mobile applications used within the organization to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively.