CVE-2025-67171 is a directory traversal vulnerability identified in the /templates/ component of RiteCMS version 3.1.0. The root cause is incorrect access control that fails to properly sanitize or restrict file path inputs, allowing attackers to traverse directories beyond the intended scope. This enables unauthorized access to sensitive files on the server, which may include configuration files, source code, or other confidential data. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 reflects a high severity primarily due to the confidentiality impact, as attackers can read sensitive information but cannot modify data or disrupt service availability. The CWE-22 classification confirms the issue as a path traversal flaw. No patches or known exploits are currently documented, but the vulnerability's presence in a CMS component commonly exposed to the internet makes it a critical concern. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gather intelligence for further attacks or to compromise user privacy. The lack of authentication requirements and ease of exploitation highlight the need for immediate mitigation efforts.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-67171 centers on unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information hosted on RiteCMS-powered websites or intranet portals. This can lead to exposure of confidential business data, user credentials, or internal configuration details, potentially facilitating subsequent attacks such as privilege escalation, phishing, or lateral movement within networks. Organizations in sectors like government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that rely on RiteCMS for content management may face increased risk of data breaches and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR. The confidentiality breach could damage organizational reputation and result in financial penalties. Since the vulnerability does not affect data integrity or availability, direct service disruption is unlikely, but the information disclosure alone poses a significant threat. The ease of exploitation without authentication means attackers can operate stealthily and at scale, increasing the likelihood of widespread impact if the vulnerability is not addressed promptly.

To mitigate CVE-2025-67171, organizations should first verify if they are running RiteCMS version 3.1.0 and restrict public access to the /templates/ directory until a patch or update is available. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all file path parameters to prevent directory traversal sequences such as '../'. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block traversal attempts targeting the /templates/ component. Conduct thorough code reviews and security testing focusing on access control mechanisms within the CMS, especially for file handling functions. Monitor server logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to access sensitive files outside the intended directories. If possible, isolate the CMS environment and limit file permissions to minimize the exposure of sensitive files. Engage with the RiteCMS vendor or community to obtain patches or security advisories and apply updates promptly once released. Additionally, educate development and operations teams about secure coding practices related to file access controls.