CVE-2025-5159 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in the H3C SecCenter SMP-E1114P02 product, specifically affecting versions up to 20250513. The vulnerability resides in the 'Download' function of the endpoint /cfgFile/1/download, where the manipulation of the 'Name' argument allows an attacker to traverse directories on the server. This means an attacker can potentially access files outside the intended directory scope by crafting malicious input that navigates the file system hierarchy, such as using '../' sequences. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity and no privileges or user interaction needed. The impact on confidentiality is low, as the vulnerability may allow reading files but does not directly enable modification or deletion (integrity and availability impacts are none). The vendor H3C was notified early but has not responded or issued a patch, and while no known exploits are currently observed in the wild, the exploit details have been publicly disclosed, increasing the likelihood of exploitation attempts. This vulnerability is significant because H3C SecCenter products are used in enterprise network security environments, and unauthorized file access could lead to exposure of sensitive configuration files or credentials stored on the device, potentially facilitating further attacks or lateral movement within networks.

For European organizations using H3C SecCenter SMP-E1114P02, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive configuration files or credentials stored on the device. Such exposure could undermine network security controls, allowing attackers to gain deeper access or disrupt security monitoring. Although the vulnerability does not directly allow code execution or denial of service, the ability to read arbitrary files remotely without authentication can lead to significant confidentiality breaches. This is particularly concerning for critical infrastructure, government agencies, and enterprises relying on H3C devices for perimeter defense or internal segmentation. The lack of vendor response and patch availability increases the window of exposure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence on network configurations or extract sensitive data, which could be used in subsequent targeted attacks. Given the remote exploitability and no requirement for user interaction, the threat is practical and could be automated for mass scanning and exploitation.

Since no official patch is available from the vendor, European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Restrict network access to the affected H3C SecCenter management interfaces by enforcing strict firewall rules and limiting access to trusted administrative IP addresses only. 2) Employ network segmentation to isolate the affected devices from general user networks and untrusted zones. 3) Monitor and log all access to the /cfgFile/1/download endpoint and analyze logs for suspicious or anomalous requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. 4) Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or intrusion prevention systems (IPS) with custom rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable endpoint. 5) Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans to identify any unauthorized file access or configuration changes. 6) If possible, disable or restrict the vulnerable download functionality until a patch or vendor guidance is provided. 7) Engage with H3C support channels persistently to obtain updates or patches and consider alternative products if the vendor remains unresponsive. 8) Educate network administrators about the risks and signs of exploitation to enable rapid incident response.