CVE-2026-22625 is a vulnerability identified in the HIKSEMI HS-AFS-S1H1 network-attached storage (NAS) device, specifically in version V5.10.10_Build_251126. The issue stems from improper handling of filenames within the device's software, which can be exploited by an attacker with network access to retrieve sensitive system files without requiring authentication or user interaction. This vulnerability impacts the confidentiality of the system by potentially exposing critical configuration or system files that could contain sensitive information such as credentials, configuration details, or other data that could facilitate further attacks. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.6, indicating a medium severity level, with the vector AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, meaning the attack requires local network access (Physical or adjacent network), low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction needed, and only confidentiality is impacted. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved on January 8, 2026, and published on January 30, 2026. The lack of integrity or availability impact reduces the overall severity, but the exposure of sensitive files still poses a significant risk, especially in environments where the NAS device stores critical or sensitive data.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive system files stored on the HIKSEMI HS-AFS-S1H1 NAS device. This exposure can compromise confidentiality, potentially revealing credentials, configuration files, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks or lateral movement within networks. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on NAS devices for secure data storage are particularly at risk. The requirement for network access limits exploitation to internal or otherwise accessible networks, reducing the risk from external attackers but increasing concern for insider threats or compromised internal systems. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially if attackers develop exploits post-disclosure. Data privacy regulations in Europe, such as GDPR, impose strict requirements on protecting sensitive data, and exposure due to this vulnerability could lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage.

1. Monitor HIKSEMI vendor communications closely for official patches addressing CVE-2026-22625 and apply them promptly once available. 2. Restrict network access to the HS-AFS-S1H1 NAS devices by implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access only to trusted hosts and management networks. 3. Employ strong network access controls such as VPNs or zero-trust network architectures to reduce exposure of NAS devices to untrusted networks. 4. Conduct regular audits of NAS device configurations and access logs to detect any unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activity. 5. Where possible, replace or upgrade affected NAS devices to versions not impacted by this vulnerability or consider alternative secure storage solutions. 6. Educate internal IT and security teams about the vulnerability to ensure rapid response and containment if exploitation attempts are detected. 7. Implement data encryption at rest and in transit on NAS devices to mitigate the impact of any potential data exposure.