CVE-2025-4329 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in the 74CMS content management system, affecting all versions up to and including 3.33.0. The vulnerability exists in the 'index' function of the file located at /index.php/index/download/index. Specifically, it arises due to improper validation or sanitization of the 'url' argument, which can be manipulated by an attacker to traverse directories on the server's file system. This allows an attacker to access files and directories outside the intended scope, potentially exposing sensitive information or configuration files. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring user interaction or authentication, making it accessible to unauthenticated attackers over the network. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity and no privileges required. The impact on confidentiality is limited (VC:L), with no impact on integrity or availability. Although no public exploits are currently known in the wild, the exploit code has been disclosed publicly, increasing the risk of exploitation. No official patches or vendor advisories have been linked yet, which may delay remediation efforts. Given the nature of path traversal vulnerabilities, attackers could potentially read sensitive files such as configuration files containing database credentials, user data, or system information, which could lead to further compromise if leveraged in chained attacks.

For European organizations using 74CMS, this vulnerability poses a tangible risk to the confidentiality of sensitive data hosted on their CMS platforms. Unauthorized access to configuration files or other sensitive resources could lead to data breaches, exposure of user information, or leakage of internal system details. This is particularly critical for organizations handling personal data under GDPR regulations, as unauthorized disclosure could result in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, attackers can exploit it remotely, increasing the threat surface. Organizations running outdated versions of 74CMS are at higher risk. The impact is more pronounced for entities relying heavily on 74CMS for public-facing websites or internal portals, where sensitive business or customer data may reside. While the vulnerability does not directly affect integrity or availability, the information disclosure could facilitate subsequent attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network.

European organizations should immediately audit their 74CMS installations to identify affected versions up to 3.33.0. Until an official patch is released, organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization on the 'url' parameter at the web application firewall (WAF) or reverse proxy level to block path traversal patterns such as '../' sequences. Employing WAF rules specifically designed to detect and block directory traversal attempts can reduce exposure. Restricting file system permissions for the web server user to the minimum necessary can limit the impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should monitor web server logs for suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable endpoint and unusual file access patterns. If feasible, isolating the CMS environment in a segmented network zone can reduce lateral movement risk. Additionally, organizations should prepare to apply vendor patches promptly once available and consider upgrading to newer versions of 74CMS that address this vulnerability. Conducting regular security assessments and penetration tests focusing on input validation weaknesses can help identify similar issues proactively.