CVE-2025-56819: Datart RCE Vulnerability via INIT Parameter

CVE-2025-56819 Overview

CVE-2025-56819 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Running-elephant Datart version 1.0.0-rc.3. The vulnerability exists in the INIT connection parameter handling, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This flaw is classified as CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command), commonly known as OS Command Injection.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability enables remote attackers to achieve complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution without requiring authentication, potentially leading to full data breach, system takeover, and lateral movement within affected networks.

Affected Products

• Running-elephant Datart version 1.0.0-rc.3
• Systems using H2 Database with vulnerable INIT connection parameter configurations

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-09-24 - CVE-2025-56819 published to NVD
• 2025-10-10 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-56819

Vulnerability Analysis

This remote code execution vulnerability stems from improper handling of the INIT connection parameter within Datart's database connection functionality. Datart utilizes the H2 Database, and the vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious commands through the INIT parameter, which is processed during database connection initialization.

The INIT connection parameter in H2 Database is designed to execute SQL statements upon connection establishment. However, when user-controllable input is passed to this parameter without proper sanitization, attackers can leverage H2's built-in functionality to execute arbitrary system commands. This attack surface is particularly dangerous as it requires no prior authentication and can be exploited remotely over the network.

The vulnerability allows attackers to achieve complete system compromise, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system files, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and sanitization of the INIT connection parameter before it is processed by the H2 Database engine. Datart fails to properly sanitize or restrict the values that can be passed through this parameter, allowing malicious SQL statements and command execution payloads to be injected.

H2 Database provides powerful scripting capabilities through features like RUNSCRIPT which, when combined with unsanitized INIT parameters, can be abused to execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system. The H2 Database Features Documentation provides additional context on these capabilities.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring no user interaction or authentication. An attacker can craft a malicious request containing a specially crafted INIT parameter value that includes command injection payloads. When the application processes this connection request, the injected commands are executed with the privileges of the Datart application process.

The attack flow involves sending a crafted database connection request to the vulnerable Datart instance. The malicious INIT parameter payload is passed directly to the H2 Database connection handler. The H2 Database executes the embedded commands during connection initialization, resulting in arbitrary code execution on the target system.

Technical details and proof-of-concept information can be found in the GitHub CVE-2025-56819 PoC repository. Additional information about the H2 Database is available in the GitHub H2 Database Repository.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-56819

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual database connection attempts containing INIT parameters with encoded or obfuscated payloads
• Unexpected child processes spawned from the Datart or Java process
• Anomalous network connections originating from the Datart server
• Log entries showing database connection strings with suspicious INIT parameter values
• Unauthorized file system modifications or new files created in application directories

Detection Strategies

• Monitor application logs for database connection strings containing INIT parameters with unusual content
• Implement network intrusion detection rules to identify exploitation attempts targeting the INIT parameter
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify anomalous process execution chains
• Configure web application firewalls (WAF) to inspect and block requests containing suspicious INIT parameter patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for database connection events in Datart
• Monitor for unexpected outbound network connections from application servers
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical system directories
• Set up alerts for process creation events from Java/Datart parent processes

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-56819

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to Datart instances to trusted networks only
• Implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable systems
• Deploy web application firewall rules to block malicious INIT parameter payloads
• Review and audit existing database connection configurations for suspicious entries
• Consider disabling or restricting the INIT connection parameter functionality if not required

Patch Information

At the time of this analysis, users should monitor the Running-elephant Datart project for security updates and patches addressing this vulnerability. Review the GitHub H2 Database Repository for any related security advisories regarding INIT parameter handling.

Organizations should upgrade to patched versions as soon as they become available. In the interim, implement the workarounds and network restrictions described below to reduce exposure.

Workarounds

• Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all database connection parameters
• Use network-level access controls to restrict access to Datart management interfaces
• Deploy application-level firewalls to filter malicious connection parameter values
• Consider running Datart in a sandboxed or containerized environment with limited system privileges

# Network isolation example using iptables
# Restrict access to Datart port to trusted networks only
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -s 10.0.0.0/8 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -j DROP