CVE-2025-57738: Apache Syncope: Remote Code Execution by delegated administrators
Apache Syncope offers the ability to extend / customize the base behavior on every deployment by allowing to provide custom implementations of a few Java interfaces; such implementations can be provided either as Java or Groovy classes, with the latter being particularly attractive as the machinery is set for runtime reload. Such a feature has been available for a while, but recently it was discovered that a malicious administrator can inject Groovy code that can be executed remotely by a running Apache Syncope Core instance. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 3.0.14 / 4.0.2, which fix this issue by forcing the Groovy code to run in a sandbox.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
maven/org.apache.syncope.core:syncope-core-springto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.0.2 - Upgrade
Upgrade
maven/org.apache.syncope.core:syncope-core-springto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 3.0.14 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Apache Syncopeto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 3.0.14 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Apache Syncopeto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.0.2
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-57738?
CVE-2025-57738 is classified as a high severity vulnerability in Apache Syncope.
How do I fix CVE-2025-57738?
To fix CVE-2025-57738, upgrade Apache Syncope to version 4.0.3 or higher, or to 3.0.15 if you are on the 3.x branch.
Which versions of Apache Syncope are affected by CVE-2025-57738?
CVE-2025-57738 affects Apache Syncope versions from 4.0.0-M0 to 4.0.2 and any version prior to 3.0.15.
What are the potential risks associated with CVE-2025-57738?
Exploitation of CVE-2025-57738 could lead to unauthorized access or manipulation of user data within Apache Syncope deployments.
Is there a workaround for CVE-2025-57738 if immediate patching is not possible?
Currently, there is no official workaround for CVE-2025-57738 and the best course of action is to apply the available patches.