CVE-2025-54162 is a path traversal vulnerability classified under CWE-22, affecting QNAP Systems Inc.'s File Station 5 software, specifically versions 5.5.x prior to 5.5.6.5068. The vulnerability allows an attacker who has already obtained administrator-level access to the File Station application to exploit the flaw to read files outside the intended directory scope. This is achieved by manipulating file path inputs to traverse directories and access arbitrary files on the underlying system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited remotely over the network, but it does require the attacker to have administrator privileges, which implies prior compromise or credential theft. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 4.8, reflecting a medium severity level due to the need for high privileges and the impact on confidentiality and integrity. The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive system files or user data, potentially aiding further attacks or data breaches. QNAP has released a patch in File Station 5 version 5.5.6.5068 and later to address this issue by properly validating and sanitizing file path inputs to prevent directory traversal. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date, but the vulnerability poses a risk to environments where File Station 5 is deployed and administrator credentials are compromised or weakly protected.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-54162 centers on the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files stored on QNAP NAS devices running vulnerable versions of File Station 5. This could include confidential business documents, personal data protected under GDPR, or system configuration files that could facilitate further compromise. The requirement for administrator privileges limits the risk to scenarios where credentials are stolen, guessed, or insiders act maliciously. However, given the widespread use of QNAP NAS devices in European enterprises, SMBs, and public sector organizations for file storage and sharing, the vulnerability could lead to significant data breaches if exploited. The exposure of sensitive data could result in regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. Additionally, attackers gaining insight into system files might escalate privileges or pivot to other network assets, increasing the overall threat. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for prompt remediation.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation steps: 1) Immediately upgrade all QNAP File Station 5 instances to version 5.5.6.5068 or later to apply the official patch. 2) Enforce strict access controls and monitoring on administrator accounts, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3) Regularly audit and rotate administrator credentials and limit the number of users with such privileges. 4) Monitor logs for unusual file access patterns or attempts to access files outside expected directories. 5) Segment NAS devices within secure network zones to limit exposure to external threats. 6) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect lateral movement or privilege escalation attempts that could precede exploitation. 7) Educate administrators on phishing and social engineering risks to prevent credential theft. 8) Maintain up-to-date backups of critical data to mitigate impact in case of compromise. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on privilege management, monitoring, and network segmentation tailored to the nature of this vulnerability.