What is the CVSS score of CVE-2025-40549?

CVE-2025-40549 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1 (Critical). CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. EPSS exploitation probability: 0.3%.

Which versions of Windows are affected by CVE-2025-40549?

CVE-2025-40549 presents critical security risk, a path traversal vulnerability rated CVSS 9.1.. A patch is available.

How to fix or mitigate CVE-2025-40549?

Within 7 days: Identify all affected systems and apply vendor patches promptly. Review file handling controls and restrict upload directories.

Windows CVE-2025-40549

CRITICAL

Path Traversal (CWE-22)

2025-11-18 psirt@solarwinds.com

Windows Path Traversal Microsoft Serv U Solarwinds

9.1

CVSS 3.1 · NVD

Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY

9.1 CRITICAL

AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

Attack Vector

Network

Attack Complexity

Low

Privileges Required

High

User Interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Lifecycle Timeline

Analysis Generated

Mar 28, 2026 - 19:22 vuln.today

Patch released

Mar 28, 2026 - 19:22 nvd

Patch available

CVE Published

Nov 18, 2025 - 09:15 nvd

CRITICAL 9.1

DescriptionCVE.org

A Path Restriction Bypass vulnerability exists in Serv-U that when abused, could give a malicious actor with access to admin privileges the ability to execute code on a directory.

This issue requires administrative privileges to abuse. On Windows systems, this scored as medium due to differences in how paths and home directories are handled.

AnalysisAI

A Path Restriction Bypass vulnerability exists in Serv-U that when abused, could give a malicious actor with access to admin privileges the ability to execute code on a directory. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Path Traversal vulnerability could allow attackers to access files and directories outside the intended path.

Technical ContextAI

This vulnerability is classified as Path Traversal (CWE-22), which allows attackers to access files and directories outside the intended path. A Path Restriction Bypass vulnerability exists in Serv-U that when abused, could give a malicious actor with access to admin privileges the ability to execute code on a directory. This issue requires administrative privileges to abuse. On Windows systems, this scored as medium due to differences in how paths and home directories are handled. Affected products include: Solarwinds Serv-U.

RemediationAI

A vendor patch is available. Apply the latest security update as soon as possible. Validate and canonicalize file paths. Use chroot or sandboxing. Reject input containing path separators or '../' sequences.