CVE-2025-54063 in cherry-studio
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2025
Cherry Studio is a desktop client that supports for multiple LLM providers. From versions 1.4.8 to 1.5.0, there is a one-click remote code execution vulnerability through the custom URL handling. An attacker can exploit this by hosting a malicious website or embedding a specially crafted URL on any website. If a victim clicks the exploit link in their browser, the app’s custom URL handler is triggered, leading to remote code execution on the victim’s machine. This issue has been patched in version 1.5.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-54063 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Cherry Studio desktop client software. This security weakness exists specifically within version ranges 1.4.8 through 1.5.0, where the application's custom URL handling mechanism fails to properly validate incoming URI schemes. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and validation processes that allow maliciously crafted URLs to bypass normal security boundaries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting specially crafted websites or embedding malicious URLs within existing web pages, creating a sophisticated attack vector that leverages user interaction with web content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's custom URL protocol handler which is designed to process specific URI schemes for communication between web browsers and the desktop application. When a user clicks on a maliciously constructed URL, the application's protocol handler executes without proper validation of the URL parameters or origin. This allows arbitrary commands to be passed through the URL scheme and executed within the context of the user's desktop environment. The flaw operates under CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component, specifically in the context of URL scheme handling. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of CWE-94, representing inadequate input validation leading to code execution, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter with the specific focus on web shell execution through URL handlers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and encompasses multiple attack vectors that can lead to complete system compromise. Victims need only click on a malicious link, making this an easily exploitable vulnerability that requires no special technical knowledge from attackers. Once executed, the remote code execution allows attackers to perform arbitrary operations on the victim's machine, potentially including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or installation of additional malware. The attack surface is particularly broad since the vulnerability can be triggered through any web browsing activity, making it difficult for users to defend against. The patched version 1.5.1 addresses this by implementing proper URL parameter validation and sanitization, ensuring that only legitimate commands can be executed through the custom URL handler mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of the patched version 1.5.1 across all affected systems. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to monitor and block suspicious URL patterns that might be used in exploitation attempts. Browser-based protections can be enhanced through content security policies that restrict the execution of custom URL handlers from untrusted sources. Security awareness training for users should emphasize the importance of verifying website legitimacy before clicking on links, particularly in email communications or social media platforms. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual network connections or command executions that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in desktop applications and serves as a reminder of the security implications of custom URL scheme implementations in client-side software. Organizations should conduct thorough security reviews of all custom URL handlers within their applications to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that might exist in other software components.