CVE-2025-13643 in Server
Summary
by MITRE • 11/25/2025
A user with access to the cluster with a limited set of privilege actions may be able to terminate queries that are being executed by other users. This may cause a denial of service by preventing a fraction of queries from successfully completing. This issue affects MongoDB Server v7.0 versions prior to 7.0.26 and MongoDB Server v8.0 versions prior to 8.0.14
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation and denial of service weakness within MongoDB server implementations that impacts versions prior to specific patch releases. The flaw exists in the query management and resource control mechanisms where users with limited privilege actions can manipulate or terminate queries executed by other users within the same cluster environment. The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and authorization checks during query lifecycle management operations. According to CWE-284, this manifests as improper access control where the system fails to properly enforce authorization boundaries between user sessions and their respective query executions. The vulnerability allows an attacker with minimal privileges to leverage the system's query termination capabilities against other users' processes, creating a direct path for disrupting normal operational workflows and potentially causing cascading failures in applications dependent on database availability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass broader security implications within database cluster environments. When exploited, this weakness enables malicious or compromised users to selectively terminate queries from other users, potentially targeting critical business processes or administrative operations. The attack vector operates through the existing query management interfaces that should normally enforce user isolation but fail to properly validate user permissions when executing termination commands. This creates a scenario where privilege separation is effectively bypassed, allowing lateral movement and resource manipulation within the database cluster. The vulnerability's scope is particularly concerning given that it affects MongoDB Server v7.0 versions prior to 7.0.26 and MongoDB Server v8.0 versions prior to 8.0.14, representing a substantial portion of active database deployments. The potential for disruption increases when considering that database clusters often support multiple concurrent users and applications, making query termination attacks capable of affecting multiple dependent services simultaneously.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a significant concern within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499 category for network denial of service, while also mapping to T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for malicious command and control. The attack surface expands when considering that this vulnerability may be exploited through legitimate administrative interfaces or monitoring tools that provide query management capabilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the patched versions mentioned in the advisory, reviewing and tightening user privilege assignments, and implementing additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized query termination activities. Network segmentation and enhanced audit logging around query management operations can serve as compensating controls while waiting for patch deployment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation and authorization enforcement in distributed database systems, particularly in multi-tenant environments where user isolation is paramount. Given that MongoDB serves as a foundational component in many enterprise applications, the potential for cascading failures and business disruption makes this vulnerability particularly severe from both security and operational perspectives.