CVE-2025-44962 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in RUCKUS SmartZone (SZ) wireless network controllers, affecting versions prior to 6.1.2p3 Refresh Build. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization of user-supplied input that allows an attacker with limited privileges (requiring some level of authentication) to traverse directories using '../' sequences. This enables unauthorized reading of arbitrary files on the underlying filesystem beyond the intended directory scope. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-24 (Improper Restriction of File Name in a Path), indicating a failure to properly validate or sanitize file path inputs. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.0 (medium severity), with the vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:N/A:N, meaning the attack can be performed remotely over the network with low attack complexity, requires privileges (authenticated user), no user interaction, and impacts confidentiality with limited scope. Exploitation does not affect integrity or availability, but unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files could lead to information leakage. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may be pending or not publicly disclosed yet. RUCKUS SmartZone is a widely deployed network management platform used by enterprises and service providers to manage wireless access points and network infrastructure, making this vulnerability relevant for organizations relying on this product for their network operations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive configuration files, credentials, or other critical information stored on the SmartZone controller. Such information leakage could facilitate further attacks, including lateral movement within the network or compromise of network infrastructure. Given that SmartZone controllers are often deployed in enterprise, educational, healthcare, and public sector environments, the confidentiality breach could impact data privacy compliance under GDPR if personal or sensitive data is exposed. Additionally, attackers gaining insights into network configurations could undermine network security posture. Although the vulnerability does not directly impact system integrity or availability, the potential for information leakage and subsequent exploitation elevates the risk profile, especially for organizations with high-value network assets or those operating critical infrastructure.

Organizations should prioritize upgrading RUCKUS SmartZone to version 6.1.2p3 Refresh Build or later once available, as this is the definitive fix for the vulnerability. Until patches are applied, administrators should restrict access to the SmartZone management interface to trusted networks and users only, employing network segmentation and strict access control lists (ACLs). Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the risk of compromised credentials being used to exploit this vulnerability. Monitoring and logging access to the management interface should be enhanced to detect any anomalous file access patterns indicative of path traversal attempts. If possible, deploy web application firewalls (WAFs) or intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with custom rules to detect and block directory traversal payloads targeting the SmartZone interface. Regularly audit and review file permissions on the SmartZone system to minimize exposure of sensitive files. Finally, maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any suspected exploitation.