CVE-2025-32819 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting SonicWall SMA100 devices running firmware version 10.2.1.14-75sv and earlier. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-552, which involves files or directories being accessible to external parties. Specifically, this flaw allows a remote attacker who has authenticated SSLVPN user privileges to bypass path traversal protections. By exploiting this, the attacker can delete arbitrary files on the device. The deletion of critical files can lead to a forced reboot of the device, which results in the SMA100 resetting to factory default settings. This effectively causes a denial of service and potential loss of configuration, which could disrupt secure remote access services. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have valid SSLVPN user credentials, but no additional user interaction is needed. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is network-based (remote), with low attack complexity and no user interaction required. The scope remains unchanged, meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable device. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability's nature and impact make it a significant risk for organizations relying on SonicWall SMA100 for secure remote access.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a serious risk to the security and availability of remote access infrastructure. SonicWall SMA100 devices are commonly used to provide SSLVPN services, enabling secure remote connectivity for employees and partners. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized deletion of critical files, causing devices to reboot and reset to factory defaults. This results in immediate loss of VPN access, disruption of business operations, and potential exposure of sensitive configuration data if backups are not properly managed. Confidentiality is at risk since an attacker with SSLVPN credentials could escalate their impact beyond normal access privileges. Integrity is compromised due to unauthorized file deletion, and availability is severely affected by forced device resets. European organizations with remote workforces or critical VPN dependencies could face operational downtime, compliance violations, and increased risk of follow-on attacks during recovery periods. The requirement for authenticated access limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially if credential theft or phishing is successful. Given the high CVSS score and potential operational impact, this vulnerability demands prompt attention in Europe’s cybersecurity landscape.

1. Immediate firmware upgrade: Organizations should prioritize updating SonicWall SMA100 devices to a patched firmware version once released by the vendor. Monitor SonicWall advisories for official patches. 2. Restrict SSLVPN user privileges: Limit SSLVPN user accounts to the minimum necessary permissions and enforce strict access controls to reduce the risk of credential misuse. 3. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): Enforce MFA for all SSLVPN users to mitigate the risk of credential compromise. 4. Monitor VPN logs: Continuously monitor SSLVPN access logs for unusual activity or signs of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected file deletions or device reboots. 5. Backup configurations regularly: Maintain secure, offline backups of device configurations to enable rapid restoration in case of a factory reset. 6. Network segmentation: Isolate management interfaces and VPN infrastructure from general network access to reduce exposure. 7. Incident response readiness: Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential SMA100 compromise scenarios, including rapid credential revocation and device recovery procedures. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on minimizing the attack surface for authenticated users, ensuring rapid recovery, and enhancing detection capabilities.