CVE-2025-5157 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in the H3C SecCenter SMP-E1114P02 device, specifically affecting versions up to 20250513. The vulnerability resides in the function fileContent within the /cfgFile/fileContent endpoint, where improper validation of the filePath argument allows an attacker to manipulate the path input. This manipulation enables traversal outside the intended directory structure, potentially granting unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the device's filesystem. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring user interaction or authentication, increasing the attack surface significantly. Despite the critical classification by the reporter, the CVSS 4.0 score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting factors such as limited impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and the requirement for low privileges (PR:L). The vendor, H3C, has not responded to the disclosure, and no patches or mitigations have been published yet. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to sensitive configuration or credential disclosure, potentially facilitating further attacks or system compromise.

For European organizations using H3C SecCenter SMP-E1114P02, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive data stored on these devices, such as configuration files, credentials, or logs. Unauthorized file access could lead to information leakage, enabling attackers to map network infrastructure or escalate privileges. Given that the device is a security appliance, compromise could undermine the overall security posture, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security controls or launch further attacks within the network. The remote and unauthenticated nature of the exploit increases the risk of widespread exploitation, especially in environments where these devices are exposed to untrusted networks. The medium CVSS score suggests limited direct impact on system integrity or availability, but the confidentiality breach could have cascading effects on organizational security.

Since no official patch or vendor response is available, European organizations should implement compensating controls immediately. These include restricting network access to the management interfaces of H3C SecCenter SMP-E1114P02 devices via firewalls or network segmentation, ensuring that only trusted administrators can reach these endpoints. Monitoring and logging access to the /cfgFile/fileContent endpoint should be enabled to detect suspicious path traversal attempts. Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures or heuristics to detect path traversal patterns can help mitigate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough audits of these devices to identify any unauthorized file access or configuration changes. Planning for device replacement or firmware updates once a vendor patch becomes available is critical. Finally, educating network administrators about this vulnerability and enforcing the principle of least privilege for device access will reduce exploitation risk.