CVE-2025-8077 in neuvector
Summary
by MITRE • 09/17/2025
A vulnerability exists in NeuVector versions up to and including 5.4.5, where a fixed string is used as the default password for the built-in `admin` account. If this password is not changed immediately after deployment, any workload with network access within the cluster could use the default credentials to obtain an authentication token. This token can then be used to perform any operation via NeuVector APIs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-8077 represents a critical authentication flaw in NeuVector security platforms, specifically affecting versions through 5.4.5. This issue stems from a fundamental design weakness where the system employs a hard-coded default password for the administrative account, creating an inherent security risk that persists across deployments. The vulnerability directly violates security best practices by implementing predictable authentication credentials that remain unchanged unless explicitly modified by administrators.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves a hardcoded credential mechanism that bypasses normal authentication procedures. When NeuVector systems are deployed without immediate password modification, the default administrative credentials become accessible to any entity with network connectivity to the cluster. This default password serves as a persistent backdoor that can be exploited by malicious actors, unauthorized workloads, or compromised systems within the network environment. The vulnerability operates at the authentication layer and can be classified under CWE-798 as the use of hard-coded credentials, while also demonstrating characteristics of CWE-259 which involves the use of weak passwords.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides complete administrative control over the NeuVector platform. Once an attacker obtains the authentication token through exploitation of the default credentials, they can execute any API operations available within the system. This includes modifying security policies, disabling protection mechanisms, accessing sensitive monitoring data, and potentially escalating privileges to other systems within the cluster. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it attractive to threat actors with varying skill levels. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers legitimate credentials, and T1566.001 related to spearphishing attachments, as the default credentials provide a ready-made entry point.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-8077 must focus on immediate administrative actions and long-term security hardening. Organizations should immediately change the default administrative password upon deployment and implement strict password policies that require complex, unique credentials. The system should be configured to enforce password complexity requirements and regular rotation schedules. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the NeuVector management interfaces to only authorized workloads and administrators. Additionally, monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts and credential usage patterns that might indicate exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of principle of least privilege and the necessity of changing default configurations as part of baseline security requirements, aligning with NIST SP 800-171 and other security frameworks that emphasize the critical need for proper credential management and access control implementation.