CVE-2025-53594 is a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) identified in QNAP Systems Inc.'s Qfinder Pro Mac application, specifically affecting versions prior to 7.13.0. This vulnerability allows a local attacker who has obtained a user account on the affected Mac system to exploit the flaw to read files outside the intended directory scope. The flaw arises from insufficient validation of file path inputs, enabling traversal sequences (e.g., '../') to access arbitrary files on the filesystem. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality by allowing unauthorized disclosure of system or user data. Exploitation requires local access with at least low privileges and does not require user interaction, but the attacker must overcome high attack complexity due to the need for local access and privilege level. The vulnerability also affects related QNAP Mac applications such as Qsync for Mac and QVPN Device Client, with patches released in versions 5.1.5 and 2.2.8 respectively. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates local attack vector (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the vulnerability's presence in widely used QNAP management tools for Mac systems makes it a relevant concern for organizations using these products.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-53594 is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information due to the path traversal allowing access to arbitrary files. This could include configuration files, credentials, or other critical data stored on Mac systems running vulnerable QNAP software. The requirement for local access limits the attack surface to insiders or attackers who have already compromised a user account, but the elevated access to sensitive files could facilitate further lateral movement or privilege escalation. Organizations relying on QNAP NAS devices and management tools on Mac endpoints, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, could face data breaches or operational disruptions. The vulnerability's impact on integrity and availability is also rated high, indicating potential for broader system manipulation or denial of service if exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities. Given the medium severity and the absence of known exploits, the immediate risk is moderate but could escalate if exploit code becomes available.

European organizations should immediately verify the versions of Qfinder Pro Mac, Qsync for Mac, and QVPN Device Client deployed within their environment and upgrade to the patched versions (Qfinder Pro Mac 7.13.0+, Qsync for Mac 5.1.5+, QVPN Device Client 2.2.8+). Restrict local user account creation and enforce strict access controls to minimize the risk of unauthorized local access. Implement endpoint protection solutions that monitor for suspicious file access patterns indicative of path traversal exploitation. Conduct regular audits of user privileges and system logs to detect anomalous activities. Network segmentation should be employed to isolate critical Mac systems running QNAP software from less trusted network zones. Additionally, educate users about the risks of local account compromise and enforce strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication to reduce the likelihood of initial access. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to mitigate potential data exposure consequences.