Remote Code Execution in Apache Syncope Due to Groovy Code Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2025-57738

What is CVE-2025-57738?

CVE-2025-57738 is a serious vulnerability identified in Apache Syncope, an open-source identity management system that facilitates user lifecycle management, access control, and identity synchronization across various applications. This specific vulnerability allows for remote code execution via Groovy code injection. In environments where Syncope is deployed, administrators have the capability to customize functionality by implementing Java or Groovy classes. The recent discovery reveals that a malicious administrator could exploit this capability to inject harmful Groovy code into a running Apache Syncope Core instance, enabling remote execution of arbitrary commands. Such unauthorized actions could lead to severe compromises within the entire identity management ecosystem, posing substantial risks to sensitive user data, system configurations, and overall organizational integrity.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-57738

1. Unauthorized Access and Control: If exploited, this vulnerability could give attackers full control over the Syncope instance, allowing them to manipulate, modify, or exfiltrate sensitive identity management data.

2. System Integrity Compromise: The ability to execute remote code can lead to system instability and integrity issues, as malicious actors can alter system files, configurations, and potentially deploy malware within the environment.

3. Wider Network Vulnerability: Given that identity management systems are often integrated with broader organizational infrastructures, the exploitation of this vulnerability could enable further attacks across connected systems, potentially leading to a domino effect of breaches and data losses throughout the organization.

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