CVE-2025-13426 in Apigee Hybrid
Summary
by MITRE • 12/06/2025
A vulnerability exists in Google Apigee's JavaCallout policy https://docs.apigee.com/api-platform/reference/policies/java-callout-policy that allows for remote code execution.
It is possible for a user to write a JavaCallout that injected a malicious object into the MessageContext to execute arbitrary Java code and system commands at runtime, leading to unauthorized access to data, lateral movement within the network, and access to backend systems.
The Apigee hybrid versions below have all been updated to protect from this vulnerability: * Hybrid_1.11.2+ * Hybrid_1.12.4+ * Hybrid_1.13.3+ * Hybrid_1.14.1+ * OPDK_5202+ * OPDK_5300+
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-13426 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Google Apigee's JavaCallout policy implementation. This security weakness specifically affects the hybrid deployment versions of Apigee API management platform, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the API gateway environment. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and object serialization handling within the JavaCallout policy mechanism, which allows attackers to inject malicious objects into the MessageContext during runtime processing. This flaw operates at the intersection of software security and API governance, where the legitimate functionality of JavaCallout policies becomes a vector for unauthorized system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of JavaCallout policy configurations, where an attacker can craft malicious Java objects that are subsequently deserialized within the MessageContext. This process bypasses normal security boundaries and allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the Apigee runtime environment. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-502 as Deserialization of Untrusted Data, which is a well-documented weakness that frequently leads to remote code execution in enterprise software platforms. The attack surface is particularly concerning because Apigee serves as an API gateway and management platform, meaning successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to sensitive data flows, backend system integrations, and potentially enable lateral movement throughout the enterprise network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass significant security implications for organizations relying on Apigee for API management. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, complete system compromise, and the ability to pivot to backend systems that the API gateway interfaces with. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1021.004 for Remote Services, as attackers could leverage the Java runtime environment to execute system commands and establish persistent access. Organizations using affected Apigee hybrid versions face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats, where the compromised API gateway could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration and data exfiltration operations.
Organizations must immediately implement mitigation strategies including upgrading to the patched versions specified in the advisory, which include Hybrid_1.11.2+, Hybrid_1.12.4+, Hybrid_1.13.3+, Hybrid_1.14.1+, OPDK_5202+, and OPDK_5300+. Additional protective measures should include strict policy validation for JavaCallout configurations, network segmentation of API gateway environments, and comprehensive monitoring of API gateway activities for suspicious code execution patterns. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all JavaCallout policies in use, ensuring that no malicious or untrusted code has been introduced into the system. The remediation process should follow industry best practices for vulnerability management and include verification that the upgrade has properly addressed the deserialization vulnerability while maintaining API gateway functionality and performance standards.