CVE-2025-56527 in Kotaemon
Summary
by MITRE • 11/18/2025
Plaintext password storage in Kotaemon 0.11.0 in the client's localStorage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-56527 represents a critical security flaw in the Kotaemon 0.11.0 client application where plaintext passwords are stored in the browser's localStorage mechanism. This issue fundamentally undermines the security posture of the application by creating an easily accessible repository of authentication credentials that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive authentication data within the client-side application, specifically utilizing localStorage for credential persistence without implementing appropriate encryption or obfuscation measures.
The technical implementation flaw manifests when the application stores user authentication tokens or passwords directly in the browser's localStorage without any form of cryptographic protection or encoding. This storage mechanism is inherently insecure as localStorage is accessible through JavaScript execution contexts and can be read by any script running within the same origin. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper storage of credentials, and aligns with CWE-522, which covers insufficiently protected credentials. The flaw exists in the client-side application logic where authentication data is persisted for convenience but without considering the security implications of plaintext storage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. An attacker with access to the victim's browser session or local system can directly extract stored credentials from localStorage, enabling immediate unauthorized access to user accounts. This creates a persistent threat vector that remains active even after the initial authentication session ends, as credentials remain accessible to any script running within the same domain. The vulnerability also facilitates credential reuse attacks and can enable broader compromise of user accounts across multiple systems where the same credentials are used. The risk is amplified by the fact that localStorage is accessible through various attack vectors including cross-site scripting attacks, where malicious scripts can execute within the same origin and directly read stored credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-56527 must address both the immediate storage vulnerability and implement proper credential management practices. The primary remediation involves implementing robust encryption for all sensitive data stored in localStorage, utilizing strong cryptographic algorithms such as AES-256 to protect stored credentials. Additionally, the application should implement proper session management with short-lived tokens and avoid storing persistent authentication credentials in client-side storage mechanisms. Organizations should consider implementing secure alternative storage mechanisms such as HTTP-only cookies with secure flags or utilizing browser-based secure storage APIs. The solution should also include implementing proper input validation and sanitization to prevent injection attacks that could lead to credential exposure. Security best practices dictate that sensitive information should never be stored in plaintext within client-side storage mechanisms, and all authentication data should be protected through appropriate cryptographic means to prevent unauthorized access.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper handling of sensitive data in client-side applications. The flaw represents a fundamental misunderstanding of security principles in credential management and storage, where convenience factors outweigh security considerations. Organizations must implement comprehensive security training for developers and establish secure coding standards that specifically address the handling of authentication credentials and sensitive data within browser-based applications. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other client-side applications and ensure that proper security controls are implemented throughout the application lifecycle. The vulnerability also highlights the need for implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors and prevent single points of failure in authentication systems.