Authorization Bypass Vulnerability in Spring Security by Pivotal Software

CVE-2025-22223

What is CVE-2025-22223?

CVE-2025-22223 is an authorization bypass vulnerability found in Spring Security, a framework widely used in Java applications to secure web applications and services. This vulnerability arises from the framework's inability to effectively recognize method security annotations on parameterized types or methods within specific versions. As a result, malicious actors could exploit this flaw to bypass security measures, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive functionalities and data within applications that rely on this security framework. Organizations using affected versions of Spring Security could face significant risks if the vulnerability is not addressed.

Technical Details

The vulnerability specifically impacts Spring Security versions 6.4.0 to 6.4.3. It is related to the handling of method security annotations, which are essential for controlling access to various components of an application. The issue occurs when these annotations are applied to parameterized types or methods, which may not be processed correctly by the framework, subsequently allowing unauthorized method invocations. This can happen if applications are utilizing the @EnableMethodSecurity annotation and have incorrectly configured security annotations.

Potential Impact of CVE-2025-22223

1. Unauthorized Access: The most significant impact of this vulnerability is the potential for unauthorized access to methods and sensitive data. Attackers could exploit this flaw to bypass authentication checks, thereby gaining access to restricted functionalities and information.

2. Data Breach Risks: Organizations vulnerable to this issue may face data breaches if attackers can access sensitive data that should be properly protected by security measures. Such breaches can lead to loss of customer trust and legal implications.

3. Increased Attack Surface: By allowing unauthorized actions within applications, this vulnerability expands the attack surface for potential cyber threats. Exploiting this flaw could enable further attacks, including data manipulation, service disruption, or escalation of privileges within the application environment.

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