CVE-2025-2749 is a path traversal and arbitrary file upload vulnerability affecting Kentico Xperience versions through 13.0.178, specifically targeting the Staging Sync Server component. The vulnerability stems from improper limitation of pathname inputs (CWE-22) combined with insufficient validation of uploaded content (CWE-434). Authenticated users with access to the staging synchronization functionality can exploit this flaw to upload files to arbitrary relative paths on the server. This can include executable content, which the server may run, resulting in remote code execution (RCE). The attack vector requires network access and valid credentials with sufficient privileges, but does not require user interaction beyond authentication. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise. While no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability’s nature and CVSS score of 7.2 indicate a significant risk. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate mitigation through access restrictions and monitoring. This vulnerability is particularly critical for organizations relying on Kentico Xperience for web content management and staging environments, as it undermines the trust boundary between staging and production systems.

For European organizations, exploitation of CVE-2025-2749 could lead to severe consequences including unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement or manipulation of web content, and full system compromise due to remote code execution. This can disrupt business operations, damage reputation, and lead to regulatory non-compliance under GDPR due to potential data breaches. Organizations using Kentico Xperience in critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and e-commerce are at heightened risk. The staging environment is often trusted and connected to production, so a compromise here can facilitate lateral movement and deeper network infiltration. The vulnerability’s requirement for authenticated access limits exposure but also means insider threats or compromised credentials can be leveraged. Given the widespread use of Kentico in Europe, particularly in countries with strong digital economies, the impact could be significant if not addressed promptly.

1. Immediately restrict access to the Staging Sync Server to only trusted administrators and internal networks using network segmentation and firewall rules. 2. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3. Monitor and audit staging server logs for unusual file upload activities or path traversal attempts. 4. Implement strict input validation and file upload controls at the application level to detect and block malicious payloads. 5. Isolate staging environments from production systems to limit potential lateral movement. 6. Apply any vendor patches or updates as soon as they become available. 7. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on staging and synchronization components. 8. Educate administrators about the risks of this vulnerability and the importance of credential security. 9. Use application whitelisting and endpoint protection to detect and prevent execution of unauthorized files. 10. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential exploitation of this vulnerability.