CVE-2025-54293 is a path traversal vulnerability classified under CWE-22, found in the log file retrieval functionality of Canonical LXD versions 5.21 and 6.0 on Linux systems. LXD is a container hypervisor widely used for managing Linux containers. The vulnerability allows an authenticated remote attacker to manipulate the pathname input used to retrieve log files, bypassing the intended directory restrictions. By crafting malicious log file names or symbolic links, the attacker can access arbitrary files on the host system outside the permitted directories. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including system configuration files, credentials, or other critical data stored on the host. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and has a low attack complexity, but it does require the attacker to have some level of authentication to the LXD service. No known public exploits have been reported yet, but the potential for exploitation remains significant due to the nature of the flaw and the criticality of the data that could be exposed. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and high impact on confidentiality (VC:H) with no impact on integrity or availability. This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict input validation and pathname sanitization in software components that handle file system operations, especially in container management platforms that have elevated privileges on the host system.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-54293 can be substantial, particularly for those using Canonical LXD to manage containerized environments. The ability of an attacker to read arbitrary files on the host system compromises confidentiality, potentially exposing sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, or personal data protected under GDPR. This could lead to regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. Since LXD often runs with elevated privileges to manage containers, the exposure of host files could also facilitate further attacks, including privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, which rely heavily on containerization for scalability and agility, are at heightened risk. Moreover, the requirement for authentication means insider threats or compromised credentials could be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive defense, but the high CVSS score underscores the urgency for mitigation.

To mitigate CVE-2025-54293 effectively, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Restrict access to the LXD API and management interfaces using network segmentation, firewall rules, and VPNs to limit exposure only to trusted administrators. 2) Enforce strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3) Monitor and audit LXD log file retrieval requests for unusual patterns or attempts to access unexpected file paths, using SIEM tools with custom detection rules. 4) Apply strict input validation and pathname sanitization in any custom scripts or integrations interacting with LXD logs. 5) Regularly update LXD to patched versions once Canonical releases fixes addressing this vulnerability. 6) Consider deploying container security solutions that can detect anomalous container or host file access behaviors. 7) Educate administrators on the risks of path traversal and the importance of limiting privileges and access to container management tools. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, monitoring, and proactive patch management tailored to the LXD environment.