CVE-2025-57698 is a directory traversal vulnerability identified in AstrBot Project version 3.5.22. The vulnerability exists in the handler function 'install_plugin_upload' which processes the '/plugin/install-upload' interface. Specifically, the function extracts the filename from the user-supplied request body and assigns it directly to the variable 'file_path' without any validation or sanitization. This 'file_path' is then passed to the 'file.save' function, which writes the file to the filesystem. Because the filename is not validated, an attacker can craft a filename containing directory traversal sequences (e.g., '../') to escape the intended directory and write files to arbitrary locations on the server's filesystem. This can lead to overwriting critical system or application files, potentially causing denial of service or enabling further exploitation. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.5, reflecting high severity primarily due to the impact on availability and ease of exploitation. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability represents a significant risk to deployments of AstrBot Project, especially those exposed to untrusted networks. The weakness corresponds to CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory). No patches or fixes are currently listed, so organizations must implement mitigations proactively.

For European organizations using AstrBot Project, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to system availability and operational continuity. An attacker exploiting this flaw can overwrite or corrupt critical files, potentially causing application crashes or denial of service conditions. This could disrupt business processes, especially if AstrBot is integrated into critical infrastructure or automation workflows. The lack of authentication or user interaction requirements means that any exposed instance is vulnerable to remote exploitation, increasing the attack surface. Additionally, successful exploitation could serve as a foothold for further attacks, including privilege escalation or lateral movement within networks. The impact is particularly severe for organizations with internet-facing deployments or those lacking robust network segmentation and monitoring. Given the high CVSS score and ease of exploitation, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted campaigns against European entities, especially those in sectors such as finance, manufacturing, or government where AstrBot might be used.

To mitigate CVE-2025-57698, organizations should immediately audit all instances of AstrBot Project for exposure of the '/plugin/install-upload' interface. Implement strict validation and sanitization of all filenames received from user inputs, ensuring that directory traversal characters (e.g., '../') are rejected or properly normalized. Enforce a whitelist of allowed characters and restrict file uploads to a dedicated, non-executable directory with limited permissions. Employ application-layer controls to verify that file paths remain within intended directories before saving. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block directory traversal attempts. Monitor logs for suspicious upload activities and anomalous file writes. Until an official patch is released, consider disabling the vulnerable upload functionality if feasible. Regularly check for updates from the AstrBot Project and apply patches promptly once available. Additionally, implement network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the impact of any successful exploitation.