Vulnerability 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.
CVSS Score
CRITICAL
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Openbao | Openbao | < 2.3.2 |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://discuss.hashicorp.com/t/hcsec-2025-14-privileged-vault-operator-may-execNot 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
FAQ
What is CVE-2025-54997?
CVE-2025-54997 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.1 (CRITICAL). 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 intention...
How severe is CVE-2025-54997?
CVE-2025-54997 has been rated CRITICAL with a CVSS base score of 9.1/10. This is considered a critical vulnerability requiring immediate attention.
Is there a patch for CVE-2025-54997?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Openbao Openbao.