Content Management System: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory
CVE-2025-4545 is a high-severity improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory vulnerability in Content Management System from CTCMS, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Content Management System versions: 2.1.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.86% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 59% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Content Management System you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTCMS | Content Management System | 2.1.2 | Not stated |
| Ctcms Project | Ctcms | 2.1.2 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 5.3 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.4 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 5.5 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
Official description
A vulnerability was found in CTCMS Content Management System 2.1.2. It has been classified as critical. Affected is the function del of the file ctcms\apps\controllers\admin\Tpl.php of the component File Handler. The manipulation of the argument File leads to path traversal. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory
The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid.
- Use an application firewall that can detect attacks against this weakness. It can be beneficial in cases in which the code cannot be fixed (because it is controlled by a third party), as an emergency prevention measure while more comprehensive software assurance measures are applied, or to provide defense in depth.
More Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory vulnerabilities (CWE-22)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- vuldb.com/?id.308292Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- vuldb.com/?submit.566498Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/xiaoyangsec/ctcms/blob/main/CTCMS_Arbitrary_File_Deletion_Vulnerability_Authenticated.mdExploit, Third Party Advisory
Other references
- vuldb.com/?ctiid.308292Permissions Required, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in Content Management System
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
Recent Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.