CVE-2025-22233: Spring Framework Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2025-22233 Overview

CVE-2024-38820 ensured Locale-independent, lowercase conversion for both the configured disallowedFields patterns and for request parameter names. However, there are still cases where it is possible to bypass the disallowedFields checks.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to bypass certain security checks, leading to potential information exposure or manipulation.

Affected Products

• Spring Framework 6.2.0 - 6.2.6
• Spring Framework 6.1.0 - 6.1.19
• Spring Framework 6.0.0 - 6.0.27

Discovery Timeline

• Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
• Not Available - Responsible disclosure to Not Available
• Not Available - CVE CVE-2025-22233 assigned
• Not Available - Not Available releases security patch
• 2025-05-16 - CVE CVE-2025-22233 published to NVD
• 2025-05-19 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-22233

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability occurs due to improper checks when converting disallowedFields patterns and request parameter names to lowercase independently of locale settings. This can be exploited by crafted requests to bypass security checks.

Root Cause

The root cause is the inadequate verification and conversion of input parameters influenced by locale settings.

Attack Vector

Network-based attack where an attacker sends crafted HTTP requests.

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
String parameter = "sensitiveParam";
if (!isDisallowed(parameter.toLowerCase(Locale.US))) {
    // Process the parameter
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22233

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP request patterns
• Unauthorized access attempts
• Unexpected parameter manipulation logs

Detection Strategies

Implement logging for all parameter transformations and monitor for suspicious patterns using SIEM systems like SentinelOne to detect anomalies.

Monitoring Recommendations

Regularly audit application logs for access patterns. Use machine learning models to detect deviations from established baselines.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22233

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Spring Framework to 6.2.7, 6.1.20, 6.0.28, or 5.3.43
• Review application code for hardcoded disallowedFields patterns
• Ensure proper validation and sanitization of user inputs

Patch Information

Patches can be obtained by upgrading to the latest fixed versions available on the official Spring website.

Workarounds

Switch from disallowedFields to allowedFields and ensure all fields are properly validated using dedicated model objects.

# Configuration example
allowedFields=param1,param2,param3