CVE-2025-4078 Overview
CVE-2025-4078 is a path traversal vulnerability [CWE-22] affecting the Wangshen SecGate 3600 firewall appliance, version 2400. The flaw resides in the ?g=log_export_file endpoint, where the file_name parameter is not properly validated. An authenticated remote attacker can manipulate this parameter to traverse directories and access files outside the intended log export path. The exploit has been publicly disclosed, increasing the likelihood of opportunistic use against exposed devices.
Critical Impact
Remote authenticated attackers can read arbitrary files from the SecGate 3600 appliance, potentially exposing configuration data, credentials, or system information stored on the device.
Affected Products
- Wangshen SecGate 3600 (version 2400)
- log_export_file handler within the appliance web interface
- Exposed management interfaces reachable over the network
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-29 - CVE-2025-4078 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-4078
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability affects the log export functionality of the Wangshen SecGate 3600 appliance. The endpoint ?g=log_export_file accepts a file_name parameter that is passed to file access routines without sufficient sanitization. Attackers can inject directory traversal sequences to reference files outside the intended log directory.
Exploitation requires network reachability to the management interface and low-level privileges on the appliance. Successful exploitation grants read access to files on the underlying filesystem, which may include configuration data, credential stores, or diagnostic artifacts useful for follow-on attacks. The EPSS probability of approximately 1.07% places this vulnerability in the mid-range for near-term exploitation likelihood.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient validation of the file_name request parameter. The application concatenates user-controlled input into a file path used by the export routine without normalizing the path or restricting access to a designated directory. This aligns with the classic pattern described by CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based. An attacker with valid low-privilege credentials sends a crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable endpoint with traversal sequences such as ../ embedded in the file_name parameter. The server resolves the path relative to the export directory and returns the contents of the referenced file. No user interaction is required. Additional technical detail is available in the VulDB entry #306515 and the Flowus Security Resource.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-4078
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to ?g=log_export_file containing traversal sequences such as ../, ..\, or URL-encoded variants (%2e%2e%2f).
- Unexpected access to files outside the log export directory in appliance access or audit logs.
- Outbound transfers of configuration or system files initiated by low-privileged accounts.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server and appliance logs for requests to the log_export_file handler with anomalous file_name values.
- Deploy WAF or IPS signatures that flag directory traversal patterns targeting the SecGate management interface.
- Correlate authenticated sessions with unusual file export volumes or off-hours access to the appliance.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on repeated 200-response requests to ?g=log_export_file from a single source within short time windows.
- Monitor low-privilege administrative account activity for lateral movement following file access events.
- Baseline normal log-export usage and flag deviations in requested file names or paths.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-4078
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to the SecGate 3600 management interface to trusted administrative networks only.
- Rotate credentials on the appliance and review any accounts that could have exercised the vulnerable endpoint.
- Audit device configuration and stored secrets to identify data that may have been exposed.
Patch Information
No vendor advisory or patch reference is currently listed in the NVD data for CVE-2025-4078. Organizations operating the Wangshen SecGate 3600 2400 should contact the vendor directly for remediation guidance and monitor the VulDB entry #306515 for updates.
Workarounds
- Block external access to the ?g=log_export_file endpoint at an upstream firewall or reverse proxy.
- Enforce network segmentation so the appliance management plane is not reachable from user or internet-facing networks.
- Disable or limit the log export functionality for non-essential administrative roles where feasible.
# Example upstream ACL restricting access to the management endpoint
# Deny external requests to the vulnerable handler
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -m string \
--string "g=log_export_file" --algo bm -j DROP
# Restrict management interface to a trusted admin subnet
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.10.0.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
