CVE-2025-13828 in Mautic
Summary
by MITRE • 12/02/2025
SummaryA non privileged user can install and remove arbitrary packages via composer for a composer based installed, even if the flag in update settings for enable composer based update is unticked.
ImpactA low-privileged user of the platform can install malicious code to obtain higher privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2025
This vulnerability exists within composer-based package management systems where improper access controls allow unprivileged users to manipulate package installations despite explicit configuration settings that should prevent such actions. The flaw represents a critical breakdown in the principle of least privilege and privilege separation mechanisms that are fundamental to secure software deployment processes. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where composer-based updates are configured but the explicit flag for enabling composer-based updates is disabled, creating a logical inconsistency in the access control model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user permissions during package management operations. When a user attempts to install or remove packages through composer, the system fails to properly verify whether the user has elevated privileges or explicit authorization for such operations. This occurs even when the system configuration explicitly disables composer-based updates, suggesting that the access control checks are bypassed or improperly implemented. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary package manipulation through the composer interface, which can include installing malicious packages that contain backdoors, privilege escalation tools, or other harmful code that can compromise the entire system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables low-privileged users to escalate their privileges through malicious package installation. This represents a classic privilege escalation attack vector where an attacker can leverage the package management system to install code that can subsequently be executed with elevated privileges. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat that can be exploited repeatedly, as the attacker can install packages that maintain persistence, establish reverse shells, or modify system configurations. The attack surface is particularly concerning because composer is commonly used in development environments and production systems where the ability to install arbitrary packages can lead to complete system compromise.
The vulnerability can be mapped to CWE-276 which addresses improper privileges and CWE-749 which covers exposed dangerous methods or interfaces. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this maps to T1068 for privilege escalation and T1546 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in software to gain elevated privileges. The attack chain typically involves initial access through a low-privileged account, followed by package installation through the composer interface, and finally privilege escalation through the malicious code execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling composer-based package management for untrusted users, implementing proper role-based access controls, and conducting thorough security audits of package management configurations. Additionally, regular monitoring of package installation activities and implementing automated scanning for malicious packages can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper configuration management and the need for comprehensive access control validation mechanisms in software deployment systems.