CVE-2025-27446 in APISIX Java Plugin Runner
Summary
by MITRE • 07/06/2025
Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource vulnerability in Apache APISIX(java-plugin-runner).
Local listening file permissions in APISIX plugin runner allow a local attacker to elevate privileges. This issue affects Apache APISIX(java-plugin-runner): from 0.2.0 through 0.5.0.
Users are recommended to upgrade to version 0.6.0 or higher, which fixes the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2025
The CVE-2025-27446 vulnerability represents a critical permission assignment flaw within the Apache APISIX java-plugin-runner component that fundamentally undermines system security through improper file access controls. This vulnerability specifically targets the local listening file permissions mechanism where the plugin runner fails to properly enforce access restrictions on critical system resources. The flaw exists in versions ranging from 0.2.0 through 0.5.0 of the java-plugin-runner, making a substantial portion of the Apache APISIX ecosystem susceptible to privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate permission handling during file creation or modification processes, allowing local attackers to manipulate critical system resources that should be restricted to authorized processes only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle of least privilege by creating file system objects with overly permissive access controls. When the java-plugin-runner creates local listening files, it does not properly set restrictive permissions that would normally prevent unauthorized access. This misconfiguration enables local attackers to gain elevated privileges through manipulation of these files, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with higher privileges than originally intended. The flaw operates at the operating system level where file permissions are not properly enforced during the plugin runner's runtime operations, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited across multiple system contexts. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-732, which addresses incorrect permission assignment for critical resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 by enabling local privilege escalation through improper access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. Local attackers who exploit this vulnerability can manipulate the plugin runner's behavior to execute malicious code, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability exists in the core plugin execution environment where multiple security controls may be bypassed. Organizations running affected versions of Apache APISIX face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, including potential data exfiltration, system modification, or service disruption. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple minor versions indicates a systemic flaw in the permission handling implementation that requires immediate remediation.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to version 0.6.0 or higher, which includes proper file permission enforcement mechanisms that address the root cause of the vulnerability. This upgrade process should be prioritized as a critical security measure within organizations using affected Apache APISIX deployments. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and implement the upgrade with appropriate testing procedures. Additionally, organizations should review their current permission settings on affected systems and implement monitoring controls to detect any unauthorized file access attempts. The fix implemented in version 0.6.0 addresses the specific file permission handling issues while maintaining backward compatibility with existing plugin configurations. Security teams should also consider implementing additional controls such as process monitoring and file integrity checking to provide defense-in-depth against potential exploitation attempts.