CVE-2025-9801 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in the SimStudioAI 'sim' product, specifically affecting versions up to commit ed9b9ad83f1a7c61f4392787fb51837d34eeb0af. The vulnerability arises from improper validation or sanitization of the 'filePath' argument, allowing an attacker to manipulate this parameter to traverse directories outside the intended file system scope. This can lead to unauthorized access to files and directories on the server hosting the application. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring user interaction, and no privileges beyond low-level privileges are necessary to exploit it. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting a network attack vector with low attack complexity, no user interaction, and limited impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, and a patch identified by commit 45372aece5e05e04b417442417416a52e90ba174 is available to remediate the issue. However, due to the rolling release model of SimStudioAI, specific version numbers for patched releases are not provided. No known exploits are currently observed in the wild, but the public disclosure increases the risk of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability does not require authentication, making it accessible to unauthenticated remote attackers who can send crafted requests to the vulnerable component. The impact primarily concerns unauthorized file access, which could lead to information disclosure or potentially further compromise depending on the files accessed. The vulnerability does not appear to directly affect system availability or integrity beyond the scope of file access. Given the nature of the flaw, attackers could leverage it to read sensitive configuration files, credentials, or other critical data stored on the server, which could facilitate subsequent attacks.

For European organizations using SimStudioAI 'sim', this vulnerability poses a moderate risk. Unauthorized file access could lead to leakage of sensitive business data, intellectual property, or personal data protected under GDPR, potentially resulting in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that rely on SimStudioAI products for simulation or AI-driven workflows may face increased risk if attackers access confidential files. The remote exploitability without authentication increases the attack surface, especially for internet-facing deployments. While no active exploitation is currently reported, the public disclosure means threat actors could develop exploits rapidly. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not critical, it should be addressed promptly to prevent escalation or chained attacks. The impact on confidentiality is the primary concern, with limited direct effects on integrity or availability. European organizations must consider the compliance implications of unauthorized data access and the potential for lateral movement within their networks if attackers gain footholds through this vulnerability.

European organizations should immediately verify if their SimStudioAI 'sim' deployments include versions up to the specified commit ed9b9ad83f1a7c61f4392787fb51837d34eeb0af. Due to the rolling release model, organizations should consult SimStudioAI's official channels or repositories to identify the patch commit 45372aece5e05e04b417442417416a52e90ba174 and update to the patched version without delay. Additionally, organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization on all file path parameters to prevent path traversal attempts. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns in HTTP requests. Restricting access to the SimStudioAI service to trusted internal networks or VPNs can reduce exposure. Monitoring and logging access to sensitive files and unusual file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts early. Organizations should also conduct internal audits of file permissions to ensure that even if traversal occurs, sensitive files are protected by appropriate OS-level access controls. Finally, incident response plans should be updated to include this vulnerability, enabling rapid containment and remediation if exploitation is detected.