CVE-2025-57738 in Syncope
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2025
Apache Syncope offers the ability to extend / customize the base behavior on every deployment by allowing to provide custom implementations of a few Java interfaces; such implementations can be provided either as Java or Groovy classes, with the latter being particularly attractive as the machinery is set for runtime reload. Such a feature has been available for a while, but recently it was discovered that a malicious administrator can inject Groovy code that can be executed remotely by a running Apache Syncope Core instance. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 3.0.14 / 4.0.2, which fix this issue by forcing the Groovy code to run in a sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2025
Apache Syncope version 3.0.14 and 4.0.2 contain a critical remote code execution vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-57738 that stems from insufficient sandboxing of Groovy script execution within the platform's extensibility framework. This vulnerability exists in the core functionality that allows administrators to extend or customize base behavior through custom implementations of Java interfaces, with Groovy classes being particularly attractive due to their runtime reload capabilities. The flaw enables a malicious administrator with sufficient privileges to inject and execute arbitrary Groovy code within the context of a running Apache Syncope Core instance, effectively providing remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the Groovy script execution environment that lacks proper sandboxing mechanisms, allowing attackers to bypass security controls and execute malicious code directly within the application's runtime environment. When administrators provide custom Groovy implementations through the extensibility framework, the system processes these scripts without adequate isolation, creating an attack surface where malicious code can be injected and subsequently executed with the privileges of the running Syncope instance. This represents a classic sandbox escape vulnerability where the intended functionality of dynamic code loading becomes a vector for arbitrary code execution, directly violating the principle of least privilege and code isolation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to fully compromise the Apache Syncope deployment. Successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, and potential persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only administrative privileges to exploit, meaning that a compromised administrator account can immediately escalate to full system compromise. Organizations using Apache Syncope in production environments are at risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, especially when the platform is integrated with sensitive identity management systems that control access to critical resources.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to Apache Syncope versions 3.0.14 or 4.0.2, which implement proper sandboxing mechanisms to isolate Groovy code execution and prevent unauthorized operations. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and privilege separation to limit administrative access to the platform, ensuring that only trusted personnel can modify the extensibility framework. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect suspicious script loading activities and anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The fix addresses this vulnerability through the implementation of a restricted execution environment that prevents access to system resources and dangerous APIs while maintaining the core functionality of the extensibility framework. This aligns with the CWE-74 standard for Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component, and represents a mitigation strategy consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: Groovy.