CVE-2025-34098
Published: 10 July 2025
Summary
CVE-2025-34098 is a high-severity Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor (CWE-200) vulnerability in Githubusercontent (inferred from references). Its CVSS base score is 7.1 (High).
Operationally, ranked in the top 1.4% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis
A path traversal vulnerability exists in Riverbed SteelHead VCX appliances, confirmed in VCX255U version 9.6.0a, stemming from improper input validation in the log filtering functionality of the management web interface. The flaw resides in the log_filter endpoint, where the filterStr parameter is processed by a backend parser that accepts file expansion syntax, enabling unauthorized access to arbitrary system files through the log viewing interface.
An authenticated attacker with network access to the management interface can exploit the issue by submitting crafted filter expressions. Successful exploitation grants the ability to read arbitrary files on the appliance, resulting in high confidentiality impact without affecting integrity or availability.
Public references include a Metasploit auxiliary scanner module for Riverbed SteelHead VCX file read, a VulnCheck advisory detailing authenticated arbitrary file read, and an Exploit-DB entry, indicating the availability of proof-of-concept tooling. The EPSS score stands at 0.6839 with no material change from its recorded peak.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2025-21035
Vulnerability details
A path traversal vulnerability exists in Riverbed SteelHead VCX appliances (confirmed in VCX255U 9.6.0a) due to improper input validation in the log filtering functionality exposed via the management web interface. An authenticated attacker can exploit this flaw by submitting crafted…
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filter expressions to the log_filter endpoint using the filterStr parameter. This input is processed by a backend parser that permits execution of file expansion syntax, allowing the attacker to retrieve arbitrary system files via the log viewing interface.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Automated marking applies security attributes to system outputs, making it harder for attackers to exploit unmarked sensitive information leading to unauthorized exposure.
Proper attribute retention and permitted-value enforcement limits unauthorized actors from accessing sensitive information lacking correct labels.
Prevents unauthorized exposure of sensitive information by prohibiting untrusted external systems from processing or storing it.
By enforcing authorization matching prior to sharing, the control reduces the risk of exposing sensitive information to unauthorized actors.
Review and removal of nonpublic information from publicly accessible systems directly prevents exposure of sensitive data to unauthorized actors.
Data mining protection mechanisms detect and block unauthorized bulk extraction of sensitive data, directly mitigating exposure to unauthorized actors.
Literacy training teaches users to recognize and avoid actions that result in unauthorized exposure of sensitive information.
Retaining and monitoring training records confirms personnel have completed privacy and security awareness training on handling sensitive data, reducing the chance of unauthorized exposure due to lack of knowledge.