CVE-2025-53594 is a path traversal vulnerability classified under CWE-22, affecting QNAP Systems Inc.'s Qfinder Pro Mac application, specifically versions before 7.13.0. This vulnerability allows a local attacker who has obtained a user account on the affected system to exploit improper validation of file paths. By manipulating file path inputs, the attacker can traverse directories and access files outside the intended scope, potentially reading sensitive system files or user data that should be inaccessible. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges (PR:L) and has a high complexity (AC:H) for exploitation, meaning it is not trivial to exploit but feasible under certain conditions. No user interaction is required (UI:N), and the attack vector is local (AV:L), limiting remote exploitation possibilities. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a high degree (VC:H, VI:H, VA:H), indicating that unauthorized file access could compromise system integrity and confidentiality, although availability impact is less direct. The vendor has addressed this issue in Qfinder Pro Mac 7.13.0 and later versions, as well as in Qsync for Mac 5.1.5 and QVPN Device Client for Mac 2.2.8 and later. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, suggesting limited active exploitation at this time. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for environments where QNAP NAS devices and their management tools are widely used, especially in Mac OS environments. The vulnerability's presence in multiple QNAP Mac applications indicates a systemic issue in path validation within these products.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to confidentiality and integrity of data managed through QNAP NAS devices using the affected Mac applications. Unauthorized local users could access sensitive files, potentially leading to data breaches or leakage of proprietary information. This is particularly concerning for sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, and government institutions. Although the attack requires local access, insider threats or compromised user accounts could exploit this vulnerability to escalate access to critical system files. The impact on availability is limited, but the potential for data exposure or tampering could disrupt business operations and damage organizational reputation. Organizations relying on QNAP NAS management tools on Mac systems should consider this vulnerability a moderate risk and prioritize remediation to prevent lateral movement or data exfiltration within their networks.

European organizations should immediately verify the versions of Qfinder Pro Mac, Qsync for Mac, and QVPN Device Client for Mac deployed within their environments and upgrade to the patched versions (Qfinder Pro Mac 7.13.0+, Qsync 5.1.5+, QVPN 2.2.8+). Implement strict access controls to limit local user accounts and enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the risk of exploitation. Monitor and audit local user activities on Mac systems managing QNAP devices to detect unusual file access patterns. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying suspicious path traversal attempts or unauthorized file reads. Additionally, consider network segmentation to isolate management workstations from critical infrastructure, reducing the attack surface. Regularly review and update security policies related to NAS device management and ensure users are trained on secure handling of these tools. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups of critical data to mitigate potential damage from exploitation.