CVE-2025-68279 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in the Weblate localization tool, affecting versions prior to 5.15.1. Weblate is a web-based platform used to manage and automate software localization processes. The vulnerability arises due to improper limitation of pathname access (CWE-22), allowing attackers to leverage crafted symbolic links within repositories to access arbitrary files on the server's filesystem. This flaw enables an attacker with at least limited privileges (PR:L) to bypass directory restrictions and read sensitive files outside the intended repository scope. The vulnerability does not require user interaction (UI:N) and can be exploited remotely over the network (AV:N). The scope is changed (S:C) because the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially intended security boundary. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.7, reflecting a high severity due to the potential for significant confidentiality impact (C:H), while integrity and availability remain unaffected (I:N, A:N). The vulnerability is linked to CWE-22 (path traversal), CWE-59 (link following), and CWE-200 (information exposure). Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the nature of the vulnerability makes it a critical concern for organizations relying on Weblate for localization workflows. The issue was resolved in Weblate version 5.15.1 by implementing stricter validation and handling of symbolic links within repositories to prevent unauthorized file access.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information stored on servers running vulnerable Weblate versions. Since Weblate is commonly used in software development and localization, exposed files could include source code, configuration files, credentials, or other proprietary data. This could lead to intellectual property theft, leakage of confidential business information, or exposure of personal data subject to GDPR regulations, potentially resulting in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. The vulnerability affects confidentiality but does not impact system integrity or availability, meaning attackers cannot modify or disrupt services but can silently exfiltrate data. Organizations with multi-tenant or shared hosting environments face increased risk, as attackers could leverage this flaw to access data belonging to other tenants. The lack of required user interaction and remote exploitability increases the threat level, especially in environments where users have limited privileges but repository access. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests a window of opportunity for proactive mitigation before active attacks emerge.

The primary mitigation is to upgrade all Weblate instances to version 5.15.1 or later, where the vulnerability has been fixed. Organizations should conduct an immediate inventory of Weblate deployments and verify version compliance. Additionally, review and sanitize repository contents to detect and remove any malicious or suspicious symbolic links that could be exploited. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on repository management interfaces to limit who can add or modify symbolic links. Employ file integrity monitoring on critical directories to detect unauthorized changes. Network segmentation and firewall rules should restrict access to Weblate servers to trusted users and systems only. Regularly audit logs for unusual file access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Finally, incorporate this vulnerability into incident response plans and ensure that development and localization teams are aware of secure repository handling practices to prevent recurrence.