Spring Cloud Gateway Server Webflux Vulnerability Exposes Sensitive Data

CVE-2025-41253

What is CVE-2025-41253?

CVE-2025-41253 is a vulnerability associated with the Spring Cloud Gateway Server Webflux, a component utilized for routing and filtering API requests in cloud-based applications. This vulnerability arises when specific configurations permit the use of Spring Expression Language (SpEL) to access sensitive environment variables and system properties. If exploited, attackers may obtain crucial information such as system settings and database credentials, potentially leading to unauthorized access and further compromise of the application infrastructure. The conditions that render an application vulnerable include the use of Webflux, exposure of certain actuator endpoints, and insufficient security measures surrounding these endpoints.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-41253

1. Data Exposure: The vulnerability enables the unauthorized retrieval of sensitive data, including environment variables and system properties, which can facilitate further exploitation of the application infrastructure and compromise sensitive information.

2. Unauthorized Access: Exploitation of this vulnerability may allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative capabilities, thereby increasing their control over the affected systems and altering configurations or accessing confidential data.

3. Increased Attack Surface: Given that the vulnerability hinges on misconfigured actuator endpoints, its presence can broaden the attack surface for adversaries, making it easier for them to launch additional attacks on the network or application by leveraging the information obtained through this exploit.

References