CVE-2025-7404 in Calibre Web
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2025
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') vulnerability in Calibre Web, Autocaliweb allows Blind OS Command Injection.This issue affects Calibre Web: 0.6.24 (Nicolette); Autocaliweb: from 0.7.0 before 0.7.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2026
The CVE-2025-7404 vulnerability represents a critical operating system command injection flaw that has been identified in two distinct software components within the digital library ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically targets Calibre Web version 0.6.24 and Autocaliweb versions ranging from 0.7.0 through the pre-release state before 0.7.1, creating a significant security risk for users who rely on these applications for managing digital collections and library services. The vulnerability falls under the established CWE-77 category, which classifies it as improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, making it a well-documented and serious threat within the cybersecurity landscape.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from the applications' failure to properly sanitize or validate user input before executing operating system commands. When users interact with these applications, particularly through interfaces that accept input for library management functions, the system may directly incorporate user-supplied data into command execution contexts without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands that will be executed with the privileges of the application process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability manifests as a blind OS command injection, meaning that while the attacker cannot directly observe command output, they can still execute arbitrary code and potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or service disruption, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This could enable unauthorized access to sensitive library databases, file system manipulation, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments where these applications are deployed. The blind nature of the injection means that attackers must rely on indirect methods to verify successful exploitation, such as timing-based responses or network traffic analysis, making the attack more sophisticated but no less dangerous. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face the risk of complete system compromise, data loss, and potential regulatory violations if sensitive information is accessed or modified.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected software versions to the latest stable releases that address the command injection flaw. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures throughout the application interfaces, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes rigorous filtering before being processed or executed. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while regular security audits and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous command execution patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized command execution. Additionally, regular security training for administrators and developers on secure coding practices, particularly around input validation and command execution contexts, will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future deployments.