CVE-2025-42890 in SQL Anywhere Monitor
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2025
SQL Anywhere Monitor (Non-GUI) baked credentials into the code,exposing the resources or functionality to unintended users and providing attackers with the possibility of arbitrary code execution.This could cause high impact on confidentiality integrity and availability of the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-42890 represents a critical security flaw in SQL Anywhere Monitor Non-GUI components where hardcoded credentials are embedded within the application code. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of hardcoded credentials as classified by CWE-798, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that poses significant risks to system integrity. The presence of baked-in authentication credentials within the application binary creates a persistent security exposure that can be exploited by attackers who gain access to the code or reverse engineer the application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of sensitive authentication information directly within the source code or compiled binaries of the SQL Anywhere Monitor Non-GUI component. This approach violates fundamental security principles and creates a scenario where unauthorized users can potentially access protected resources without proper authentication. The flaw specifically affects the monitor functionality that operates without a graphical user interface, suggesting that the vulnerability may be particularly concerning for server-side applications where command-line or automated access is common.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a high-impact threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. Attackers who discover these hardcoded credentials can potentially gain unauthorized access to database monitoring functions and exploit the system to execute arbitrary code. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as the ability to execute arbitrary code provides attackers with complete control over the affected system, enabling them to modify data, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1566 which addresses credential harvesting through various attack vectors.
The impact on system security is particularly severe given that SQL Anywhere Monitor typically operates in environments where database administration and monitoring functions are critical to business operations. The exposure of monitoring capabilities through hardcoded credentials could allow attackers to gain insights into database activities, potentially leading to data breaches or system compromise. Organizations running affected systems face the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive database information, which could result in significant financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's persistence in the codebase means that even after system updates or patches, the embedded credentials remain accessible unless the application is completely recompiled without the hardcoded values.
Effective mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation actions including the complete removal of hardcoded credentials from the application code and implementation of proper authentication mechanisms. Organizations should implement credential management practices that avoid embedding sensitive information within applications, instead utilizing secure credential storage solutions such as environment variables, secure configuration management systems, or dedicated credential services. The remediation process should also include comprehensive code reviews to identify and eliminate similar patterns throughout the codebase, as well as implementing automated security scanning tools to prevent future occurrences of hardcoded credentials. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of any remaining vulnerabilities, while also establishing incident response procedures to quickly address any exploitation attempts that may occur.