CVE-2025-14702 identifies a path traversal vulnerability in the Smartbit CommV Smartschool App, specifically affecting versions 10.4.0 through 10.4.4. The vulnerability resides in the be.smartschool.mobile.SplashActivity component, where improper validation of file path inputs allows an attacker to manipulate file system paths. This manipulation can lead to unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory scope, potentially exposing sensitive data or enabling modification of critical files. The attack requires local access with limited privileges (PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N) or elevated privileges beyond local access. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates low attack complexity and no need for authentication, but the attack surface is limited to local users. The vendor was notified early but has not issued patches or responses, and no official remediation is currently available. Although no exploits are known to be actively used in the wild, the public availability of exploit code increases the risk of exploitation, especially in environments where local access controls are weak. This vulnerability primarily threatens confidentiality and integrity, as unauthorized file access can lead to data leakage or tampering. The lack of scope change (S:U) means the impact is confined to the vulnerable component’s privileges. The Smartschool App is widely used in European educational institutions, making this vulnerability particularly relevant to that sector. Without vendor patches, mitigation relies on restricting local access, monitoring for suspicious activity, and preparing for future updates.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions using the Smartschool App, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized local users accessing sensitive files or modifying application data. This could lead to exposure of student or staff personal information, disruption of educational services, or manipulation of app behavior. Since the app is used in schools and educational bodies, confidentiality breaches could violate data protection regulations such as GDPR, leading to legal and reputational consequences. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but insider threats or compromised devices could be leveraged by attackers. The absence of vendor patches increases exposure time, and published exploit code lowers the barrier for attackers. Disruption or data leakage in educational environments can impact operational continuity and trust. Organizations with weak endpoint security or shared device usage are at higher risk. The impact on integrity could also facilitate further attacks if attackers modify app files or configurations.

1. Enforce strict local access controls on devices running the Smartschool App, limiting user privileges to the minimum necessary. 2. Implement endpoint security solutions that monitor and restrict unauthorized file system access or path manipulations. 3. Educate users and administrators about the risk of local exploitation and the importance of device security hygiene. 4. Regularly audit and monitor logs for suspicious activity related to file access or app behavior anomalies. 5. Isolate devices running the app in secure network segments to reduce insider threat risks. 6. Prepare incident response plans specifically for potential exploitation scenarios involving local access. 7. Engage with the vendor for updates and monitor for any forthcoming patches or advisories. 8. Consider temporary compensating controls such as application whitelisting or sandboxing until patches are available. 9. Restrict installation of the app to trusted devices and users only. 10. Review and harden device configurations to prevent privilege escalation that could facilitate exploitation.