Overview
This article provides a detailed analysis of a critical security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-63365, affecting SoftSea EPUB File Reader version 1.0.0.0. This vulnerability allows for directory traversal, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive files on the system where the EPUB reader is installed. Understanding the technical details, potential impact, and mitigation steps is crucial for protecting your systems.
Technical Details
The vulnerability lies within the EPUB file processing component of SoftSea EPUB File Reader. Specifically, it stems from inadequate validation of file paths during the extraction of contents from EPUB archives. An attacker can craft a malicious EPUB file containing specially crafted filenames (e.g., using “../” sequences) that, when processed by the reader, can lead to the extraction of files outside the intended directory. This is a classic directory traversal vulnerability.
The vulnerability resides in the functionality responsible for extracting and handling EPUB archive contents.
CVE ID: CVE-2025-63365
Published: 2025-12-01T19:15:51.373
Below is a simplified example of a potentially malicious entry within an EPUB’s content file (e.g., content.opf or similar). This example illustrates how directory traversal can be attempted:
<item href="../config/sensitive_data.txt" media-type="text/plain"/>CVSS Analysis
CVSS Score: N/A (Not Available at this time)
Severity: N/A (Not Available at this time)
Due to the current lack of CVSS scoring, a definitive severity assessment is unavailable. However, directory traversal vulnerabilities typically warrant a high-severity rating due to the potential for significant data breaches and system compromise. Until official scores are released, prioritize mitigation efforts.
Possible Impact
The exploitation of this directory traversal vulnerability can have serious consequences, including:
- Unauthorized File Access: Attackers could potentially read sensitive configuration files, user data, or other critical system files.
- Data Breach: Exposure of sensitive data could lead to significant financial and reputational damage.
- System Compromise: In some scenarios, attackers might be able to overwrite critical system files, leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
Unfortunately, without a patch provided by SoftSea, direct mitigation is limited. We strongly advise the following:
- Avoid Opening Untrusted EPUB Files: Exercise extreme caution when opening EPUB files from unknown or untrusted sources. This is the most important immediate step.
- Sandboxing (Advanced Users): Consider running SoftSea EPUB File Reader within a sandboxed environment. This can limit the potential damage caused by successful exploitation. Tools like Docker or virtual machines can be used for this purpose.
- Monitor for Updates: Continuously monitor the SoftSea website for updated versions of the EPUB File Reader that address this vulnerability.
- Alternative EPUB Readers: If feasible, consider using alternative EPUB readers that are known to be more secure and actively maintained.
If SoftSea releases a patch, immediately apply the update to your system.
