CVE-2025-24765 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-22, which pertains to improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as a Path Traversal vulnerability. This vulnerability affects the RobMarsh Image Shadow product, specifically versions up to 1.1.0. The flaw allows an attacker with low privileges (PR:L) to remotely exploit the system over the network (AV:N) without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or integrity but severely affects availability (A:H), indicating that exploitation could lead to denial of service or disruption of the application’s normal functioning. The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component, potentially impacting the broader system environment. Path Traversal vulnerabilities occur when an application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input that specifies file paths, allowing attackers to access files and directories outside the intended restricted directory. In this case, the attacker could manipulate file path parameters to access or overwrite critical system files or application data, potentially causing service outages or system instability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability’s characteristics and CVSS score of 7.7 indicate a significant risk if weaponized. The lack of available patches at the time of publication further increases the urgency for mitigation and monitoring. Given the nature of Image Shadow as an image processing or management tool, exploitation could disrupt image handling workflows or cause denial of service in environments relying on this software.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24765 could be substantial, especially for those relying on RobMarsh Image Shadow in critical infrastructure, media, or digital asset management sectors. Disruption of image processing services could affect operational continuity, leading to downtime and potential financial losses. The vulnerability’s ability to cause denial of service without compromising confidentiality or integrity reduces the risk of data breaches but raises concerns about service availability and reliability. Organizations in sectors such as healthcare, government, and media, where image processing is integral, could face operational challenges. Additionally, the exploitation of this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a larger attack chain to distract or disrupt defenses. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high CVSS score and ease of remote exploitation necessitate immediate attention to prevent future attacks.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24765 effectively, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Conduct an immediate audit to identify all instances of RobMarsh Image Shadow in their environment and assess their exposure. 2) Apply strict input validation and sanitization on any user-supplied file path parameters within the application or any integrated systems to prevent path traversal attempts. 3) Employ application-layer firewalls or web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious path traversal payloads targeting Image Shadow endpoints. 4) Isolate the Image Shadow application in a restricted environment or container with minimal privileges and limited filesystem access to contain potential exploitation impact. 5) Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual file access patterns or error messages indicative of path traversal attempts. 6) Engage with RobMarsh for timely patch releases and apply updates as soon as they become available. 7) Develop incident response plans specific to denial of service scenarios involving image processing services to minimize downtime. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on containment, detection, and preparation specific to the nature of this vulnerability and the affected product.