CVE-2025-54160 Overview
CVE-2025-54160 is a path traversal vulnerability [CWE-22] affecting Synology BeeDrive for desktop before version 1.4.2-13960. The flaw stems from improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. Local users can exploit unspecified vectors to execute arbitrary code on the affected host. The vulnerability requires local access and low privileges, but no user interaction. Successful exploitation impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the target system.
Critical Impact
Local authenticated users can achieve arbitrary code execution on hosts running vulnerable versions of Synology BeeDrive for desktop, potentially escalating privileges within the endpoint.
Affected Products
- Synology BeeDrive for desktop versions prior to 1.4.2-13960
- Windows and macOS desktop clients distributed by Synology
- Endpoints synchronizing with Synology BeeStation devices via BeeDrive
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-04 - CVE-2025-54160 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-54160
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the BeeDrive desktop client's handling of pathnames. BeeDrive fails to properly restrict pathname inputs to intended directories, allowing traversal sequences to escape the expected file scope. An authenticated local user can leverage this weakness to write or manipulate files in locations outside BeeDrive's designated sync directories.
Because BeeDrive operates with the privileges of the invoking user and interacts with system-level file operations during synchronization, an attacker can drop or overwrite executable content in trusted locations. This turns a file operation flaw into a path to arbitrary code execution.
Synology addressed the issue in BeeDrive for desktop 1.4.2-13960. Refer to the Synology Security Advisory SA-25-08 for vendor-supplied technical context.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient sanitization and canonicalization of file paths processed by the BeeDrive client [CWE-22]. Traversal sequences such as ..\ or ../ are not filtered before the client resolves and acts on the target path. This lets attacker-controlled inputs redirect file operations outside the intended sync boundary.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access and low privileges on the endpoint running BeeDrive. The attack vector is local with no user interaction required. The Synology advisory does not disclose the specific exploitation vectors. No public proof-of-concept or exploit code is available at this time.
Based on the vulnerability class, exploitation likely involves supplying crafted filenames or paths that BeeDrive processes during sync, staging, or file handling operations. See the Synology Security Advisory SA-25-08 for further vendor guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-54160
Indicators of Compromise
- Files written by the BeeDrive process outside of configured BeeDrive sync directories, especially under user startup folders or application directories
- Presence of path traversal sequences (..\, ../) in filenames processed by BeeDrive logs or sync manifests
- Unexpected executable, script, or DLL files created in directories writable by the BeeDrive client process
Detection Strategies
- Inventory endpoints for installed versions of Synology BeeDrive and flag any client older than 1.4.2-13960
- Monitor file creation and modification events initiated by the BeeDrive process for writes outside the expected sync root
- Alert on child process creation by BeeDrive that spawns interpreters (cmd.exe, powershell.exe, shell binaries) or unknown executables
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable endpoint detection and response (EDR) telemetry on hosts running BeeDrive to capture process lineage and file system operations
- Collect and centralize BeeDrive client logs alongside operating system audit logs for retrospective analysis
- Baseline normal BeeDrive file paths and alert on deviations that suggest directory traversal behavior
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-54160
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Synology BeeDrive for desktop to version 1.4.2-13960 or later on all Windows and macOS endpoints
- Audit endpoints for local users with unnecessary interactive access to systems where BeeDrive is installed
- Review BeeDrive sync directories and file histories for suspicious files created before patching
Patch Information
Synology has released BeeDrive for desktop 1.4.2-13960 to remediate CVE-2025-54160. Administrators should deploy the update through the Synology download portal or the BeeDrive auto-update mechanism. Full remediation guidance is available in the Synology Security Advisory SA-25-08.
Workarounds
- Restrict interactive local logon on systems where BeeDrive is installed to trusted users only
- Uninstall BeeDrive from endpoints that do not require it until the patched version can be deployed
- Apply the principle of least privilege to accounts on hosts running BeeDrive to limit blast radius of local code execution
# Verify installed BeeDrive version on Windows via PowerShell
Get-ItemProperty "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\*" |
Where-Object { $_.DisplayName -like "*BeeDrive*" } |
Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
