CVE-2025-13700 in DreamFactory
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
DreamFactory saveZipFile Command Injection Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of DreamFactory. Authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the implementation of the saveZipFile method. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before using it to execute a system call. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the service account. Was ZDI-CAN-26589.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2025
The CVE-2025-13700 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in DreamFactory's saveZipFile functionality that enables remote code execution when proper authentication is bypassed. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input during zip file processing operations, creating a dangerous pathway for malicious actors to compromise affected systems. The flaw specifically manifests in the method's failure to properly sanitize or validate user-provided strings before incorporating them into system commands, a classic pattern that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 command injection categories. The vulnerability's exploitation requires an authenticated session, indicating that while it may be challenging to exploit remotely without credentials, authorized users with sufficient privileges can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the saveZipFile method where user-controllable data flows directly into system execution contexts without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms. When a user submits zip file operations, the application processes user-supplied parameters that are then concatenated into system commands without proper validation, creating an environment where malicious input can be interpreted as command instructions rather than data. This type of flaw falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands. The vulnerability's impact extends to the service account context, meaning successful exploitation could allow attackers to perform actions with the privileges of the DreamFactory service account, potentially enabling further lateral movement and privilege escalation within the compromised environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability creates significant security implications for organizations relying on DreamFactory for data management and API services. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The requirement for authentication provides some mitigation but does not eliminate the threat, as compromised credentials or successful social engineering attacks could enable exploitation. Organizations using DreamFactory may face regulatory compliance issues if this vulnerability allows unauthorized access to sensitive data, particularly in environments where the platform handles personal identifiable information or protected health information. The vulnerability's presence in the saveZipFile method suggests that any zip file processing functionality within the application could be susceptible to similar exploitation patterns, potentially affecting broader application functionality beyond the specific method mentioned.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-13700 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization within the saveZipFile method, ensuring all user-supplied strings undergo proper validation before system command execution. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation and escape sequences to prevent command injection attacks, following secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top 10 security guidelines. The implementation of proper access controls and monitoring for unusual zip file processing activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation to limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, ensuring that the DreamFactory service account operates with minimal required privileges. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, particularly those handling user input in system command contexts, as this type of flaw often indicates broader architectural security weaknesses that may affect other application functions.