RCE in Openbao
CVE-2025-54997
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.
Vulnerability class: RCE (Remote Code Execution)
EPSS: 0.004 (29.7th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 9.1 (Critical). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Affected products
- Openbao — versions < 2.3.2
Weakness classification (CWE)
Public proof-of-concept exploits
References
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_CONFIRM, Vendor Advisory)
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_MISC, Issue Tracking)
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_MISC, Not Applicable)
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_MISC, Release Notes)
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-54997?
- CVE-2025-54997 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Openbao, classified under Code Injection. CVSS score: 9.1/10. Published 2025-08-09.
- How severe is CVE-2025-54997?
- Critical severity. CVSS v3 base score is 9.1 out of 10.
- Is CVE-2025-54997 known to be exploited?
- 1 public proof-of-concept repositories are indexed. Not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.