Skip to content

CVE-2025-54997

Openbao code injection

9.1 CRITICALEPSS 0.38%
  1. Published9 Aug 2025

Description

OpenBao exists to provide a software solution to manage, store, and distribute sensitive data including secrets, certificates, and keys. In versions 2.3.1 and below, some OpenBao deployments intentionally limit privileged API operators from executing system code or making network connections. However, these operators can bypass both restrictions through the audit subsystem by manipulating log prefixes. This allows unauthorized code execution and network access that violates the intended security model. This issue is fixed in version 2.3.2. To workaround, users can block access to sys/audit/* endpoints using explicit deny policies, but root operators cannot be restricted this way.

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorNetwork
Attack complexityLow
Privileges requiredHigh
User interactionNone
ScopeChanged
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

Openbao< 2.3.2

Remediation

Fixed in
Openbao≥ 2.3.2

Frequently asked

Is CVE-2025-54997 being actively exploited?

CVE-2025-54997 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.38%.

How severe is CVE-2025-54997?

CVE-2025-54997 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1, rated critical. EPSS estimates a 0.38% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2025-54997?

Affected products include Openbao.

How do I fix CVE-2025-54997?

Upgrade affected software to a fixed version, for example Openbao 2.3.2 or later, then confirm no affected versions remain in your inventory.

How Secuno handles this

Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-54997 against the real software inventory on every managed device, every day. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.

Get Patch this first every Monday

Five vulnerabilities that matter this week, ranked on real exploitation. Plain language, one email, no spam.

You can unsubscribe with one click from every issue. We handle your details as described in our privacy policy.

Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.