CVE-2025-44177 is a directory traversal vulnerability identified in White Star Software's Protop application, specifically version 4.4.2-2024-11-27. The vulnerability exists in the /pt3upd/ endpoint, which improperly handles user-supplied input, allowing an unauthenticated remote attacker to exploit encoded directory traversal sequences to access arbitrary files on the underlying operating system. This type of vulnerability, classified under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory), enables attackers to bypass intended file access restrictions by manipulating file path inputs. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, making it highly accessible for exploitation. According to the CVSS 3.1 vector (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:N), the attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The impact on confidentiality is low, but integrity is rated high, indicating that while the attacker may only read files, the information gained could be leveraged to compromise system integrity or facilitate further attacks. Availability is not affected. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was published on July 9, 2025, with the reservation date on April 22, 2025. The lack of available patches and the unauthenticated nature of the vulnerability make it a significant risk for affected systems until mitigations or updates are applied.

For European organizations using White Star Software Protop version 4.4.2-2024-11-27, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk. The ability for unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files can lead to exposure of sensitive configuration files, credentials, or proprietary data, potentially enabling further compromise or lateral movement within networks. Given the high integrity impact, attackers could use the information obtained to manipulate system behavior or escalate privileges indirectly. This is particularly concerning for sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, where unauthorized data disclosure or system manipulation could result in regulatory penalties, operational disruption, or reputational damage. The network-accessible nature of the vulnerability increases the attack surface, especially for organizations with externally facing Protop services. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high CVSS score underscores the urgency for mitigation. European organizations must consider this vulnerability within their risk management frameworks, especially those relying on White Star Software products in their operational technology or enterprise environments.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting external access to the /pt3upd/ endpoint via network segmentation or firewall rules to limit exposure to untrusted networks. 2. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block encoded directory traversal payloads targeting the vulnerable endpoint. 3. Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied path parameters, ensuring traversal sequences such as '../' or their encoded equivalents are properly handled or rejected. 4. Monitor logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to exploit directory traversal, focusing on requests to /pt3upd/. 5. Engage with White Star Software for official patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and prioritize their deployment once available. 6. As a temporary workaround, consider disabling or limiting functionality of the /pt3upd/ endpoint if feasible without impacting critical operations. 7. Perform internal audits to identify any sensitive files accessible via traversal and implement additional file system permissions to restrict access. 8. Educate IT and security teams about this vulnerability to ensure rapid detection and response to potential exploitation attempts.