CVE-2025-55149 is a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) identified in the tiny-scientist framework version 0.1.1 and earlier, developed by ulab-uiuc. Tiny-Scientist is a lightweight framework designed to automate the scientific research lifecycle, including ideation, implementation, writing, and review. The vulnerability resides in the review_paper function within the backend/app.py file. Specifically, the function fails to properly restrict file path inputs, allowing an attacker to craft malicious file paths that bypass directory restrictions. This flaw enables unauthorized reading of arbitrary PDF files accessible to the server process, including sensitive documents outside the intended directory scope. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, making it remotely exploitable over the network. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild and no patches are available, the CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.7 (medium severity), reflecting the ease of exploitation (network vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction needed) and high impact on confidentiality due to unauthorized file disclosure. The vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability directly. The lack of a fix means affected users must rely on mitigation strategies until an official patch is released. This vulnerability can be leveraged for reconnaissance on server file system structure and exfiltration of sensitive PDF documents, potentially exposing confidential research data or intellectual property.

For European organizations, especially academic institutions, research centers, and companies involved in scientific research, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to confidentiality. Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive research papers, intellectual property, or internal documentation could lead to competitive disadvantage, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR if personal data is exposed), and reputational damage. Since tiny-scientist is a framework used to automate scientific workflows, organizations relying on it for managing research documents may inadvertently expose critical data. The vulnerability could also facilitate further attacks by providing attackers with detailed knowledge of the server's file system and contents. Given the medium severity and no authentication requirement, attackers can exploit this remotely without user interaction, increasing the threat surface. The absence of a patch means organizations must proactively implement mitigations to prevent data leakage. The impact is particularly acute for entities handling sensitive or proprietary scientific data, including pharmaceutical companies, universities, and government research agencies within Europe.

1. Immediately restrict network access to the tiny-scientist backend service, limiting it to trusted internal networks or VPNs to reduce exposure to external attackers. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on file path parameters in the review_paper function to prevent path traversal sequences (e.g., '..', absolute paths). 3. Use application-level sandboxing or chroot jails to constrain the backend process to a limited directory tree, preventing access to files outside the intended scope. 4. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block path traversal attack patterns targeting the review_paper endpoint. 5. Monitor server logs for suspicious file access patterns or anomalous requests attempting to access unexpected PDF files. 6. If feasible, temporarily disable or restrict the review_paper functionality until a patch is available. 7. Maintain strict file permissions on the server to minimize the backend process’s access to sensitive files. 8. Engage with the vendor or open-source community to track patch releases and apply updates promptly once available.