CVE-2025-67653 is a directory traversal vulnerability identified in Advantech WebAccess/SCADA version 9.2.1, classified under CWE-22. This vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate file path inputs to traverse directories beyond the intended scope, enabling them to verify the existence of arbitrary files on the system. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), and requires privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability does not allow modification or deletion of files (no integrity or availability impact) but can disclose the presence of sensitive files, which may be leveraged for reconnaissance or to facilitate subsequent attacks. The vulnerability was published on December 18, 2025, with no known exploits in the wild to date. Advantech WebAccess/SCADA is widely used in industrial control systems for monitoring and managing critical infrastructure, making this vulnerability relevant to operational technology environments. The lack of patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate mitigation through compensating controls such as input validation and network segmentation. The CVSS score of 4.3 reflects a medium severity due to the limited impact scope and required privileges.

For European organizations, especially those operating critical infrastructure such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation sectors that rely on Advantech WebAccess/SCADA, this vulnerability poses a risk of information disclosure. Attackers could use the directory traversal flaw to map the file system and identify sensitive configuration files, credentials, or system information, which could facilitate more severe attacks like privilege escalation or lateral movement. Although the vulnerability does not directly compromise system integrity or availability, the information gained can weaken the overall security posture. Given the strategic importance of industrial control systems in Europe, exploitation could disrupt operational continuity or lead to targeted attacks on critical services. The medium severity rating suggests that while immediate damage may be limited, the vulnerability should not be ignored, particularly in high-value environments.

1. Apply vendor patches immediately once available to address the directory traversal flaw in WebAccess/SCADA 9.2.1. 2. Until patches are released, implement strict input validation on all user-supplied file path parameters to prevent traversal sequences such as '../'. 3. Restrict network access to the SCADA management interfaces to trusted IP addresses and use VPNs or secure tunnels for remote access. 4. Employ network segmentation to isolate SCADA systems from general IT networks, minimizing exposure. 5. Monitor logs for unusual file access patterns or failed traversal attempts to detect exploitation attempts early. 6. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on directory traversal and related vulnerabilities. 7. Educate operational technology personnel about the risks and signs of exploitation to improve incident response readiness.