CVE-2025-54466 Overview
CVE-2025-54466 is a Code Injection vulnerability (CWE-94) affecting the Apache OFBiz scrum plugin that can lead to Remote Code Execution (RCE). This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the affected systems without requiring any prior access or credentials, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing deployments.
The vulnerability stems from improper control of code generation within the scrum plugin component of Apache OFBiz. When exploited, attackers can inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise including data theft, lateral movement, and persistent access.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability in Apache OFBiz scrum plugin enables attackers to fully compromise affected systems without requiring any credentials or user interaction.
Affected Products
- Apache OFBiz versions prior to 24.09.02 (when scrum plugin is used)
- Apache OFBiz installations with the scrum plugin enabled
- Any derivative applications built on vulnerable Apache OFBiz versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-08-15 - CVE-2025-54466 published to NVD
- 2025-11-04 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-54466
Vulnerability Analysis
This Code Injection vulnerability exists within the scrum plugin component of Apache OFBiz, an open-source enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed by the application server, bypassing normal security controls.
The vulnerability is particularly severe because it can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers. This means that any instance of Apache OFBiz with the scrum plugin enabled and exposed to the network is vulnerable to exploitation without requiring valid credentials. The attack can be performed remotely over the network with low complexity, requiring no special privileges or user interaction.
Successful exploitation grants attackers the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the OFBiz application, potentially leading to:
- Complete system compromise
- Unauthorized data access and exfiltration
- Installation of backdoors or malware
- Lateral movement within the network
- Service disruption
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2025-54466 lies in improper validation and sanitization of user-controlled input within the scrum plugin's code generation routines. The application fails to adequately restrict or escape input that gets incorporated into dynamically generated code, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands or scripts that are subsequently executed by the server.
This type of vulnerability typically occurs when applications construct code dynamically using string concatenation or template engines without proper input validation, allowing specially crafted payloads to break out of the intended context and execute attacker-controlled code.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, meaning attackers can exploit it remotely without physical access to the target system. The exploitation process involves:
- Reconnaissance: Attacker identifies an Apache OFBiz instance with the scrum plugin enabled
- Payload Crafting: A specially crafted request containing malicious code is prepared
- Injection: The malicious payload is sent to the vulnerable endpoint
- Execution: The injected code is processed and executed by the server
The vulnerability does not require user interaction, making automated exploitation possible. Organizations should assume that any vulnerable, internet-facing Apache OFBiz instance is at high risk of compromise.
For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the Apache OFBiz Issue Tracking and the Openwall OSS Security Mailing List Post.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-54466
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual outbound network connections from the OFBiz application server
- Unexpected processes spawned by the Java application server running OFBiz
- Suspicious entries in OFBiz application logs showing malformed or unusual scrum plugin requests
- New or modified files in the OFBiz installation directory or web application paths
- Evidence of data exfiltration or unauthorized database queries
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect code injection attempts targeting OFBiz endpoints
- Implement network-based intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor for exploitation attempts
- Enable verbose logging for the OFBiz scrum plugin and monitor for anomalous request patterns
- Use application performance monitoring (APM) tools to detect unusual code execution patterns
- Scan network traffic for indicators of command and control (C2) communication originating from OFBiz servers
Monitoring Recommendations
- Establish baseline behavior for the OFBiz application and alert on deviations
- Monitor system calls and process creation on servers hosting Apache OFBiz
- Implement file integrity monitoring on critical OFBiz directories
- Set up alerts for authentication failures and unusual access patterns to the scrum plugin
- Regularly review and correlate logs from web servers, application servers, and security tools
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-54466
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Apache OFBiz to version 24.09.02 or later immediately
- If immediate upgrade is not possible, disable the scrum plugin until patching can be completed
- Restrict network access to Apache OFBiz instances using firewall rules or network segmentation
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to filter potentially malicious requests
- Conduct a thorough review of systems for indicators of compromise
Patch Information
Apache has addressed this vulnerability in version 24.09.02 of OFBiz. Users are strongly recommended to upgrade to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability. The fix addresses the improper input validation in the scrum plugin that allowed code injection.
Patch and upgrade resources:
Workarounds
- Disable the scrum plugin if it is not required for business operations
- Implement network segmentation to isolate OFBiz instances from untrusted networks
- Deploy a reverse proxy with strict input validation to filter malicious requests before they reach OFBiz
- Enable additional authentication requirements for accessing scrum plugin functionality
- Use application-level firewalls to block requests matching known attack patterns
# Configuration example
# Disable scrum plugin in Apache OFBiz (component-load.xml)
# Comment out or remove the scrum plugin entry:
# <load-component component-location="plugins/scrum"/>
# Network restriction using iptables (restrict access to OFBiz port)
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8443 -s <trusted_network_cidr> -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8443 -j DROP
# Alternatively, restrict access in Apache/Nginx reverse proxy config
# Only allow access from specific IP ranges to the scrum plugin endpoints
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
