#VU103649 Path traversal in Discourse - CVE-2025-22601

Vulnerability identifier: #VU103649

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 0.5 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:N/VI:L/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2025-22601

CWE-ID: CWE-22

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Discourse
Web applications / Forum & blogging software

Vendor: Civilized Discourse Construction Kit, Inc.

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to perform directory traversal attacks.

The vulnerability exists due to input validation error when processing directory traversal sequences. A remote attacker can trick a victim to make changes to their own username via specially crafted link using the activate-account route.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Discourse: 3.4.0 beta1 - 3.4.0 beta3

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External links
https://github.com/discourse/discourse/security/advisories/GHSA-gvpp-v7mp-wxxw

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.