CVE-2025-23209: Craft CMS Code Injection Vulnerability
Impact
This is an RCE vulnerability that affects Craft 4 and 5 installs where your security key has already been compromised.
https://craftcms.com/knowledge-base/securing-craft#keep-your-secrets-secret
Anyone running an unpatched version of Craft with a compromised security key is affected.
Patches
This has been patched in Craft 5.5.8 and 4.13.8.
Workarounds
If you can't update to a patched version, then rotating your security key and ensuring its privacy will help to migitgate the issue.
References
https://github.com/craftcms/cms/commit/e59e22b30c9dd39e5e2c7fe02c147bcbd004e603
Other sources
Craft CMS contains a code injection vulnerability caused by improper validation of the database backup path, ultimately enabling remote code execution.
— CISA
Craft is a flexible, user-friendly CMS for creating custom digital experiences on the web and beyond. This is an remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability that affects Craft 4 and 5 installs where your security key has already been compromised. Anyone running an unpatched version of Craft with a compromised security key is affected. This vulnerability has been patched in Craft 5.5.8 and 4.13.8. Users who cannot update to a patched version, should rotate their security keys and ensure their privacy to help migitgate the issue.
— NVD
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
composer/craftcms/cmsto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.13.8 - Upgrade
Upgrade
composer/craftcms/cmsto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 5.5.8 - Operational
Rotate the application's security key (replace any potentially compromised security key) and ensure its privacy — do not expose the new or old keys in public version control, logs, or other places where they could be leaked.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-23209?
CVE-2025-23209 is rated as a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Craft CMS installations.
How do I fix CVE-2025-23209?
To fix CVE-2025-23209, upgrade your Craft CMS installation to version 4.13.8 or 5.5.8 or later.
Who is affected by CVE-2025-23209?
CVE-2025-23209 affects users of Craft CMS 4.x and 5.x with a compromised security key.
What are the consequences of CVE-2025-23209?
Exploitation of CVE-2025-23209 could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected server.
Is there a way to mitigate CVE-2025-23209?
To mitigate CVE-2025-23209, ensure your security keys are not compromised and upgrade to the patched versions.