CVE-2025-54997

Name: CVE-2025-54997
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2025-08-09T03:15:46.263+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.1/10EPSS 0.35%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2025-54997 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.1/10 on the CVSS scale. 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. EPSS estimates a 0.35% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

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.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.1/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.35%

26.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-94

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Openbao	Openbao	< 2.3.2

References

https://discuss.hashicorp.com/t/hcsec-2025-14-privileged-vault-operator-may-execute-code-on-the-underlying-host/76033Not Applicable
https://github.com/openbao/openbao/pull/1634Issue Tracking
https://github.com/openbao/openbao/releases/tag/v2.3.2Release Notes
https://github.com/openbao/openbao/security/advisories/GHSA-xp75-r577-cvhpVendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Aug 9, 2025
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-54997?

How severe is CVE-2025-54997?

CVE-2025-54997 has a CVSS score of 9.1/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.35% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2025-54997?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2025-54997?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST