CVE-2025-64761: OpenBao Privileged Operator Identity Group Root Escalation
Impact
Similar to HCSEC-2025-13 / CVE-2025-5999, a privileged operator could use the identity group subsystem to add a root policy to a group identity group, escalating their or another user's permissions in the system. Specifically this is an issue when:
1. An operator in the root namespace has access to identity/groups endpoints. 2. An operator does not have policy access.
Otherwise, an operator with policy access could create or modify an existing policy to grant root-equivalent permissions through the sudo capability.
Patches
Patched in version 2.4.4.
Workarounds
Users should audit the use of identity subsystem and deny operators access if it is not in use.
Other sources
OpenBao is an open source identity-based secrets management system. Prior to version 2.4.4, a privileged operator could use the identity group subsystem to add a root policy to a group identity group, escalating their or another user's permissions in the system. Specifically this is an issue when: an operator in the root namespace has access to identity/groups endpoints and an operator does not have policy access. Otherwise, an operator with policy access could create or modify an existing policy to grant root-equivalent permissions through the sudo capability. This issue has been patched in version 2.4.4.
— MITRE
Affected Software
Remediation
Patch Available
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-64761?
CVE-2025-64761 is considered a high-severity vulnerability due to the potential for privilege escalation.
How do I fix CVE-2025-64761?
To fix CVE-2025-64761, upgrade to the fixed version of OpenBAO, which is 2.4.4 or later.
What are the consequences of CVE-2025-64761?
An attacker exploiting CVE-2025-64761 could gain excessive permissions within the system, compromising security.
Who is affected by CVE-2025-64761?
CVE-2025-64761 affects users of OpenBAO versions prior to 2.4.4.
What causes CVE-2025-64761?
CVE-2025-64761 is caused by a flaw in the identity group subsystem that allows operators to improperly modify group policies.