CVE-2025-68462 identifies a vulnerability in Debian FreedomBox prior to version 25.17.1 where the backups-data directory is assigned incorrect permissions, allowing unauthorized local users to read database dump files stored therein. This issue is classified under CWE-732, which relates to incorrect permission assignment for critical resources. The vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction but has a high attack complexity, meaning an attacker must have local access and potentially some knowledge or capabilities to exploit it. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.2, indicating low severity, with the vector AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:N/A:N. This means the attack vector is local, the attack complexity is high, no privileges or user interaction are needed, and the scope is changed due to the potential for information disclosure (confidentiality impact is low, no integrity or availability impact). The vulnerability allows reading of database dump files, which could contain sensitive data, but does not permit modification or disruption of services. There are no known exploits in the wild, and no patches are explicitly linked, but upgrading to version 25.17.1 or later is recommended. The vulnerability primarily affects FreedomBox deployments that rely on local backup directories and may expose sensitive information if local user access controls are insufficient.

For European organizations using Debian FreedomBox, especially in small office/home office (SOHO) or privacy-focused deployments, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive backup data if an attacker gains local access. Although the impact is limited to confidentiality and rated low severity, exposure of database dumps could reveal personal or organizational information, potentially violating data protection regulations such as GDPR. The risk is heightened in environments where local user accounts are shared, poorly managed, or where physical access controls are weak. However, since the vulnerability requires local access and has high attack complexity, remote exploitation is not feasible, limiting widespread impact. Organizations relying on FreedomBox for critical services should consider this vulnerability a data exposure risk that could undermine trust and compliance if backups contain sensitive information.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade Debian FreedomBox to version 25.17.1 or later where the permission issue is corrected. In addition, administrators should audit and enforce strict filesystem permissions on the backups-data directory to ensure only authorized system processes and users can access backup files. Implementing strong local access controls, such as limiting user accounts, enforcing least privilege, and using physical security measures, will reduce the risk of unauthorized local access. Regularly monitoring file permissions and access logs can help detect potential misuse. If upgrading is not immediately possible, consider encrypting backup files at rest to protect sensitive data even if read access is obtained. Finally, educating users about the risks of local access and maintaining secure operational practices will further reduce exploitation likelihood.