CVE-2025-7717 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability classified under CWE-862 affecting the Drupal File Download module. This vulnerability allows unauthorized users to perform forceful browsing attacks, enabling them to download files without proper permission checks. Specifically, the flaw exists in versions prior to 1.9.0 for the 0.0.0 branch and before 2.0.1 for the 2.0.0 branch of the File Download module. The vulnerability arises because the module fails to enforce authorization controls on file download requests, permitting attackers to bypass access restrictions and retrieve potentially sensitive files. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of confidential information stored within the Drupal-managed environment. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the nature of the vulnerability makes it a significant risk, especially for websites relying on Drupal for content management and file distribution. The absence of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability has not yet been fully assessed for severity, but the technical details confirm that it is a missing authorization issue, which is a common and critical security flaw in web applications. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on July 21, 2025, and no official patches or updates are linked yet, emphasizing the need for immediate attention from Drupal administrators and security teams.

For European organizations using Drupal with the affected File Download module versions, this vulnerability poses a serious risk to confidentiality. Unauthorized access to files could lead to leakage of sensitive business documents, personal data protected under GDPR, intellectual property, or other critical information. This could result in regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and operational disruption. Since Drupal is widely used by public sector entities, educational institutions, and private enterprises across Europe, the potential impact is broad. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to files that should be restricted, undermining trust in the affected organizations' data protection measures. Additionally, if sensitive personal data is exposed, organizations may face legal consequences under the EU's stringent data protection regulations. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation increases the risk, as attackers do not need valid credentials to access protected files. Although availability and integrity impacts are less direct, unauthorized file access could be leveraged as a stepping stone for further attacks, including data manipulation or ransomware deployment.

European organizations should immediately audit their Drupal installations to identify the use of the File Download module and verify the version in use. Until official patches are released, organizations should consider the following specific mitigations: 1) Restrict access to the File Download module endpoints via web server configuration or firewall rules to trusted IP addresses only. 2) Implement additional access control mechanisms at the application or proxy level to enforce authorization checks on file download requests. 3) Monitor web server logs for unusual or unauthorized file access attempts indicative of forceful browsing. 4) Temporarily disable or remove the vulnerable File Download module if feasible, replacing it with alternative secure file delivery methods. 5) Engage with the Drupal community and vendor for timely updates and patches, and apply them as soon as they become available. 6) Conduct a thorough review of file permissions and ensure sensitive files are not stored in publicly accessible directories. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on immediate containment and compensating controls while awaiting official fixes.