CVE-2025-6109 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in the javahongxi whatsmars product, specifically version 2021.4.0. The vulnerability resides in the initialize function within the InitializrController.java file of the whatsMars-initializr module. The flaw arises from improper validation or sanitization of the 'artifactId' argument, which can be manipulated by an attacker to perform path traversal attacks. This allows an attacker to access files and directories outside the intended scope of the application by crafting malicious input that traverses the filesystem hierarchy (e.g., using '../' sequences). The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring user interaction or authentication, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), with the vector indicating network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and low impact on confidentiality (VC:L), with no impact on integrity or availability. Although the vendor was contacted early, there has been no response or patch released at the time of disclosure. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but public exploit details have been disclosed, potentially enabling attackers to develop exploits. The vulnerability primarily affects the 2021.4.0 version of whatsmars, a Java-based framework or tool, likely used in software development or initialization contexts. The path traversal can lead to unauthorized reading of sensitive files, potentially exposing configuration files, credentials, or other critical data stored on the server hosting the application. This could facilitate further attacks or data breaches if exploited successfully.

For European organizations using javahongxi whatsmars 2021.4.0, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk. The ability to perform path traversal remotely without authentication means attackers can potentially access sensitive files on affected servers, compromising confidentiality. While the impact on integrity and availability is rated as none, unauthorized file access can lead to information disclosure, which may include sensitive business data or credentials. This can facilitate lateral movement or privilege escalation in targeted environments. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection requirements, such as finance, healthcare, or government, could face regulatory and reputational damage if sensitive data is exposed. Since the exploit requires no user interaction and can be launched remotely, automated scanning and exploitation attempts could increase, especially given the public disclosure of exploit details. The lack of vendor response and absence of patches increases the window of exposure. European companies relying on this software for development or deployment automation may inadvertently expose internal infrastructure or intellectual property. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not critical, it should be addressed promptly to avoid exploitation and data leakage.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting network access to the affected whatsmars service, limiting exposure to trusted internal networks only. 2. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in HTTP requests targeting the 'artifactId' parameter, such as sequences containing '../' or encoded variants. 3. Conduct a thorough audit of all servers running javahongxi whatsmars 2021.4.0 to identify and isolate vulnerable instances. 4. If possible, apply manual input validation or sanitization at the application or proxy level to reject suspicious artifactId inputs. 5. Monitor logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to access sensitive filesystem paths. 6. Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) tools that can detect and block path traversal attempts dynamically. 7. Engage with the vendor or community to track any forthcoming patches or updates and plan for immediate application once available. 8. As a longer-term measure, review and harden the application’s file access logic to enforce strict path normalization and whitelist allowed paths. 9. Educate development and security teams about this vulnerability and encourage secure coding practices to prevent similar issues.