CVE-2025-8052 Overview
CVE-2025-8052 is a SQL Injection vulnerability affecting OpenText Flipper version 3.1.2. The flaw resides in the application's Hibernate Query Language (HQL) processor and allows a low-privilege authenticated user to interact with the backend database in unintended ways. Successful exploitation enables an attacker to extract data from the database beyond the scope permitted by their assigned privileges. The issue is classified under CWE-564, SQL Injection through Hibernate. The vulnerability requires adjacent network access, low privileges, and user interaction, which limits its exploitability in practice.
Critical Impact
Authenticated low-privilege users on the adjacent network can craft malicious HQL input to read data they are not authorized to access in OpenText Flipper 3.1.2.
Affected Products
- OpenText Flipper 3.1.2
- Component: opentext:flipper
- CPE: cpe:2.3:a:opentext:flipper:3.1.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-10-20 - CVE-2025-8052 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-8052
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a SQL Injection flaw that manifests through the HQL processor in OpenText Flipper. HQL is an object-oriented query language used by the Hibernate ORM framework to translate queries into native SQL against the underlying database. When user-supplied input is concatenated into HQL statements without proper parameterization or validation, an attacker can alter the intent of the query. A low-privilege authenticated user can leverage this to read tables, columns, or rows that fall outside their authorization scope. Because the injection occurs at the HQL layer, standard database-level access controls are bypassed as the query executes with the application's database credentials. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact are each rated low in the CVSS 4.0 assessment, reflecting limited data exposure per attempt rather than full database compromise.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements within user input passed to the HQL processor. The application accepts input that is directly incorporated into dynamic HQL queries instead of using bound parameters or a strict allow-list. This design allows attacker-supplied fragments to modify query structure at execution time.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires an authenticated account with low privileges and adjacent network access to the Flipper instance. The attacker interacts with an application feature that forwards input to the HQL processor and appends injected clauses to alter query semantics. User interaction is also required, which further constrains the practical attack surface. See the OpenText Security Article for vendor-specific details.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code is available for CVE-2025-8052 at the time of writing. Refer to the vendor advisory for technical specifics of the vulnerable endpoint.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-8052
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual HQL or SQL syntax fragments such as ' OR '1'='1, UNION, or comment sequences appearing in application logs tied to Flipper request parameters.
- Application-level exceptions from the Hibernate layer referencing malformed query strings or unexpected entity access.
- Low-privilege user accounts issuing repeated requests against endpoints that invoke the HQL processor.
Detection Strategies
- Enable verbose logging on the Hibernate query layer and review generated SQL for statements that deviate from expected application query patterns.
- Deploy a web application firewall rule set that inspects parameters submitted to Flipper endpoints for SQL and HQL injection signatures.
- Correlate authentication events with database query anomalies to identify accounts issuing queries inconsistent with their role.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor database audit logs for unexpected SELECT statements referencing tables outside a user's normal working set.
- Alert on Hibernate exception spikes or malformed query errors that may indicate injection attempts in progress.
- Track authenticated session activity from the adjacent network segment where Flipper is accessible.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-8052
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fix referenced in the OpenText knowledge base article KB0850533 as soon as it is available for your deployment.
- Restrict network access to the Flipper application so that only trusted adjacent network segments and authorized users can reach it.
- Review and reduce user privileges within Flipper to the minimum required, limiting the accounts that can invoke the HQL processor.
Patch Information
OpenText has published guidance through knowledge base article KB0850533. Administrators should consult the OpenText Security Article for the current fixed version and upgrade path from Flipper 3.1.2.
Workarounds
- Place the Flipper application behind a reverse proxy or web application firewall that filters SQL and HQL injection payloads.
- Disable or restrict features that expose the HQL processor to non-administrative users until the patch is applied.
- Audit existing accounts and remove or disable low-privilege accounts that are no longer required to reduce the attacker population.
# Example WAF rule concept to block common SQL/HQL injection tokens on Flipper endpoints
# Adjust path and syntax to your WAF platform
SecRule ARGS "@rx (?i)(union(\s)+select|\bor\s+1=1\b|--\s|;\s*drop\s+table)" \
"id:900852,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Possible SQLi/HQLi against Flipper (CVE-2025-8052)'"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
