CVE-2025-5114 is a deserialization vulnerability identified in the easysoft zentaopms product, specifically version 21.5_20250307. The vulnerability exists in the 'Edit' function of the /index.php endpoint with parameters m=editor, f=edit, filePath, and action=edit. The issue arises from improper handling and deserialization of the 'filePath' argument, which can be manipulated remotely by an attacker. Deserialization vulnerabilities occur when untrusted data is processed by an application’s deserialization mechanism, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service. In this case, the vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring user interaction or authentication, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, but limited impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vendor was contacted but did not respond, and no patches or mitigations have been published yet. Although no known exploits are currently observed in the wild, the public disclosure of the exploit code increases the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability affects a critical component (Committer) of zentaopms, a project management system, which may be used to manage sensitive project data and workflows.

For European organizations using easysoft zentaopms 21.5_20250307, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized remote code execution or manipulation of project files through crafted requests. This could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive project management information, disruption of project workflows, and potential lateral movement within internal networks. Given that zentaopms is used for managing projects, the compromise could impact confidentiality and integrity of business-critical information. The absence of vendor response and patches increases exposure time. Organizations in sectors with stringent data protection requirements (e.g., finance, healthcare, government) could face regulatory and reputational consequences if exploited. The medium CVSS score suggests moderate impact, but the ease of exploitation without authentication raises concern for rapid exploitation in unpatched environments.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting access to the vulnerable endpoint (/index.php?m=editor&f=edit) via network-level controls such as web application firewalls (WAFs) or IP whitelisting to limit exposure to trusted users only. 2. Monitor web server and application logs for suspicious requests targeting the 'filePath' parameter or unusual deserialization patterns. 3. If possible, disable or restrict the 'Edit' function in the editor module until a patch is available. 4. Employ input validation and sanitization to prevent malicious serialized data from being processed. 5. Implement runtime application self-protection (RASP) tools that can detect and block deserialization attacks. 6. Engage with easysoft or community forums for updates or unofficial patches. 7. Prepare incident response plans specifically for deserialization attacks, including containment and forensic analysis. 8. Consider isolating the zentaopms instance in a segmented network zone to limit potential lateral movement.