CVE-2025-65838 identifies a path traversal vulnerability in the doUploadSitefile method of PublicCMS version V5.202506.b. Path traversal vulnerabilities occur when an application improperly sanitizes user-supplied input used to construct file paths, allowing attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure. In this case, the vulnerability lies in the file upload functionality, where an attacker can craft malicious requests to upload files to arbitrary locations on the server filesystem. This can lead to unauthorized file overwrites, exposure of sensitive files, or even remote code execution if executable files are placed in accessible locations. The vulnerability was reserved on November 18, 2025, and published on December 1, 2025, but no CVSS score or patches have been provided yet. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, indicating either limited awareness or recent discovery. The lack of authentication or user interaction requirements is not explicitly stated, but typical CMS upload functions often require authentication, which may limit exploitation scope. However, if the upload endpoint is accessible to unauthenticated users or poorly protected, the risk increases significantly. The absence of CWE identifiers limits detailed classification, but path traversal is generally associated with CWE-22. Overall, this vulnerability represents a critical risk to the confidentiality and integrity of affected systems due to potential unauthorized file access and modification.

For European organizations, exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive files, including configuration files, user data, or credentials stored on the server. This could lead to data breaches, loss of intellectual property, or disruption of services if critical files are overwritten or deleted. Public-facing websites using PublicCMS may be defaced or used as a foothold for further network intrusion. The impact is particularly severe for sectors handling sensitive personal data or critical infrastructure, such as government agencies, healthcare providers, and financial institutions. Additionally, regulatory compliance risks arise under GDPR if personal data is exposed due to this vulnerability. The absence of known exploits provides a window for proactive defense, but the potential for rapid exploitation once details become public is high. Organizations relying on PublicCMS for content management should consider the threat significant and act promptly to mitigate risks.

1. Immediately audit and restrict file upload directories to ensure uploads cannot escape designated folders. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all file path parameters, disallowing sequences like '../' or absolute paths. 3. Enforce authentication and authorization checks on upload endpoints to limit access to trusted users only. 4. Monitor server logs for unusual file upload patterns or attempts to access sensitive directories. 5. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block path traversal attempts. 6. Until an official patch is released, consider disabling the vulnerable upload functionality if feasible or isolating the CMS environment to minimize impact. 7. Regularly back up critical data and verify restore procedures to recover quickly from potential exploitation. 8. Stay updated with PublicCMS vendor announcements for patches or security advisories related to this vulnerability.