CVE-2025-23084 is a vulnerability in the Node.js runtime specifically related to how the path.join API handles drive names on Windows platforms. Normally, Windows treats paths that do not start with a file separator as relative to the current directory. However, due to a flaw in Node.js, certain functions do not treat drive names as special cases, causing paths assumed to be relative to actually resolve to the root directory of the drive. This behavior can lead to directory traversal issues (CWE-22), where an attacker with limited privileges and user interaction can manipulate path inputs to access files outside the intended directory scope. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Node.js versions from 4.0 up to 23.0, indicating a long-standing issue. The CVSS 3.0 score of 5.6 reflects a medium severity, with high confidentiality impact but low integrity and availability impact. Exploitation requires local access with low privileges and user interaction, limiting remote exploitation potential. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability could be leveraged to disclose sensitive information by accessing files at the root directory level or other unintended locations. This flaw is particularly relevant for Windows-based Node.js applications that rely on path.join for file system operations, potentially exposing sensitive data or configuration files if exploited.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-23084 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data due to improper path resolution on Windows systems running Node.js. This could affect web applications, internal tools, and services that use Node.js for backend processing and file system access. Confidentiality is at high risk since attackers could read files outside the intended directory scope. Integrity and availability impacts are low, as the vulnerability does not allow modification or deletion of files or denial of service. Organizations handling sensitive personal data under GDPR may face compliance risks if data exposure occurs. The requirement for local access and user interaction reduces the likelihood of widespread remote exploitation but does not eliminate insider threat or social engineering risks. Given the widespread use of Node.js in enterprise environments and the prevalence of Windows servers and developer workstations, this vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against European companies, especially those with less mature endpoint security controls.

1. Immediately update Node.js to a patched version once available; monitor official Node.js security advisories for patches addressing CVE-2025-23084. 2. In the interim, audit and sanitize all inputs to path.join and similar file path APIs to ensure drive names and relative paths are handled securely, preventing directory traversal. 3. Implement strict access controls and least privilege principles on Windows systems running Node.js to limit local user capabilities. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor suspicious local activity involving file system access. 5. Educate users and developers about the risks of local exploitation and the importance of cautious handling of file paths in code. 6. Consider application-level sandboxing or containerization to isolate Node.js processes and restrict file system access. 7. Regularly review and audit logs for unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. 8. For critical systems, consider disabling or restricting use of path.join in favor of safer, validated path handling methods until patches are applied.