CVE-2025-64101: ZITADEL Vulnerable to Account Takeover via Malicious Forwarded Header Injection
Impact
A potential vulnerability exists in ZITADEL's password reset mechanism. ZITADEL utilizes the Forwarded or X-Forwarded-Host header from incoming requests to construct the URL for the password reset confirmation link. This link, containing a secret code, is then emailed to the user.
If an attacker can manipulate these headers (e.g., via host header injection), they could cause ZITADEL to generate a password reset link pointing to a malicious domain controlled by the attacker. If the user clicks this manipulated link in the email, the secret reset code embedded in the URL can be captured by the attacker. This captured code could then be used to reset the user's password and gain unauthorized access to their account.
It's important to note that this specific attack vector is mitigated for accounts that have Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Passwordless authentication enabled.
Affected Versions
Systems running one of the following versions: - 4.x: 4.0.0 to 4.5.0 (including RC versions) - 3.x: 3.0.0 to 3.4.2 (including RC versions) - 2.x: v2.0.0 to 2.71.17
Patches
Patched version ensure proper validation of the headers:
4.x: Upgrade to >=4.6.0 3.x: Update to >=3.4.3 2.x: Update to >=2.71.18
Workarounds
The recommended solution is to update ZITADEL to a patched version.
A ZITADEL fronting proxy can be configured to delete all Forwarded and X-Forwarded-Host header values before sending requests to ZITADEL self-hosted environments.
Questions
If you have any questions or comments about this advisory, please email us at security@zitadel.com
Credits
Thanks to Amit Laish – GE Vernova for finding and reporting the vulnerability.
Other sources
Zitadel is open-source identity infrastructure software. Prior to 4.6.0, 3.4.3, and 2.71.18, a potential vulnerability exists in ZITADEL's password reset mechanism. ZITADEL utilizes the Forwarded or X-Forwarded-Host header from incoming requests to construct the URL for the password reset confirmation link. This link, containing a secret code, is then emailed to the user. If an attacker can manipulate these headers (e.g., via host header injection), they could cause ZITADEL to generate a password reset link pointing to a malicious domain controlled by the attacker. If the user clicks this manipulated link in the email, the secret reset code embedded in the URL can be captured by the attacker. This captured code could then be used to reset the user's password and gain unauthorized access to their account. It's important to note that this specific attack vector is mitigated for accounts that have Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Passwordless authentication enabled. This vulnerability is fixed in 4.6.0, 3.4.3, and 2.71.18.
— MITRE
Affected Software
Remediation
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-64101?
CVE-2025-64101 is considered moderate severity due to potential exposure of sensitive user information through improper handling of the password reset mechanism.
How do I fix CVE-2025-64101?
To fix CVE-2025-64101, update ZITADEL to version 4.6.0 or later, 3.4.3 or later, or 2.71.18 or later.
What systems are affected by CVE-2025-64101?
CVE-2025-64101 affects ZITADEL versions prior to 4.6.0, 3.4.3, and 2.71.18.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2025-64101?
CVE-2025-64101 is a vulnerability in the password reset mechanism of ZITADEL that could lead to unauthorized access.
Is there a known exploit for CVE-2025-64101?
As of now, there are no publicly available exploits specifically targeting CVE-2025-64101.