CVE-2025-57712 is a path traversal vulnerability categorized under CWE-22 that affects QNAP Systems Inc.'s Qsync Central product, specifically versions 5.0.x.x. This vulnerability allows an attacker who has already obtained a user account on the system to exploit improper input validation in file path handling. By manipulating file path parameters, the attacker can traverse directories and access files outside the intended directory scope, potentially reading sensitive system files or user data that should be protected. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have at least low-level privileges (a user account) on the system. The CVSS v4.0 base score is 4.0, reflecting a medium severity level due to the limited privileges required and the impact primarily on confidentiality. The vulnerability was reserved on August 18, 2025, and publicly disclosed on November 7, 2025. QNAP addressed the issue in Qsync Central version 5.0.0.3 released on August 28, 2025. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the potential for sensitive data exposure remains significant if unpatched. The vulnerability's complexity is low, as it involves classic path traversal, and the scope is limited to systems running the affected Qsync Central versions. Attackers exploiting this flaw can read files with high confidentiality impact but limited integrity or availability impact.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-57712 is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information due to the path traversal vulnerability in Qsync Central. Organizations using vulnerable versions may face exposure of confidential files, including system configuration files, user data, or other sensitive documents stored on Qsync Central. This can lead to data breaches, compliance violations (e.g., GDPR), and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability requires a user account, insider threats or compromised credentials increase risk. The availability and integrity of systems are less impacted, but confidentiality breaches can facilitate further attacks or espionage. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on QNAP NAS solutions for file synchronization and storage are particularly at risk. The medium severity rating suggests the threat is serious but not critical, emphasizing the need for timely patching and access control enforcement.

1. Upgrade Qsync Central to version 5.0.0.3 or later immediately to apply the official patch addressing CVE-2025-57712. 2. Enforce strict user account management policies, including strong authentication, regular credential audits, and immediate revocation of unused or compromised accounts. 3. Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Qsync Central services to trusted internal networks only. 4. Monitor file access logs and system logs for unusual or unauthorized file read attempts, especially those involving directory traversal patterns. 5. Employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools configured to alert on suspicious file access behaviors. 6. Educate users about credential security to reduce the risk of account compromise. 7. Regularly review and update backup and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential data breaches. 8. Consider deploying web application firewalls (WAF) or reverse proxies with path traversal detection capabilities if Qsync Central is exposed externally.