CVE-2025-65815 is a security vulnerability identified in AB TECHNOLOGY Document Reader version 65.0, which supports viewing PDF, DOC, and PPT files. The root cause is a lack of adequate security checks during the file import process, specifically allowing directory traversal attacks. Directory traversal occurs when an attacker manipulates file path inputs to access directories and files outside the intended scope, potentially reading or writing arbitrary files on the host system. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, modification of critical files, or even remote code execution if malicious files are placed strategically. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. Although no CVSS score has been assigned and no active exploits have been reported, the nature of the vulnerability suggests a high risk. The absence of patch links indicates that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for proactive mitigation. The affected software is commonly used in business environments to handle office documents, making it a potential vector for attackers targeting corporate data. The vulnerability’s exploitation could compromise confidentiality and integrity, and depending on system configurations, availability might also be impacted if critical files are overwritten or deleted.

For European organizations, exploitation of CVE-2025-65815 could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive documents and system files, resulting in data breaches and loss of intellectual property. The ability to traverse directories and manipulate files may allow attackers to implant malicious payloads or disrupt business operations by corrupting essential files. Sectors such as finance, government, legal, and healthcare that rely heavily on document processing are particularly at risk. The breach of confidentiality could violate GDPR regulations, leading to legal and financial penalties. Additionally, the integrity of critical documents could be compromised, undermining trust and operational reliability. The lack of authentication requirements means attackers could exploit this vulnerability remotely if the document reader is exposed on networks or through phishing campaigns delivering malicious files. This elevates the threat level for organizations with remote workforces or those using cloud-based document services integrating this reader. Overall, the impact ranges from data loss and compliance issues to potential system compromise and operational disruption.

Organizations should immediately inventory their use of AB TECHNOLOGY Document Reader v65.0 and restrict its use to trusted environments. Until a patch is released, implement strict file validation and sanitization controls on all document imports to prevent malicious path manipulations. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing to limit the document reader’s file system access and privileges. Monitor logs for unusual file access patterns or errors related to file imports. Educate users about the risks of opening documents from untrusted sources and enforce policies to reduce exposure. Network segmentation can help isolate systems running the vulnerable software from critical infrastructure. If possible, disable or replace the affected document reader with alternative software that does not exhibit this vulnerability. Prepare to deploy patches promptly once available and test them in controlled environments. Regularly update endpoint protection and intrusion detection systems to identify exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain backups of critical files to recover from potential data corruption or deletion.