IRONSMITHINTEL
HIGHCVSS8.0
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2025-23209|Auth: low — authenticated user|Reboot: required|Manual only

Craft CMS Code Injection Vulnerability

Craft CMS contains a code injection vulnerability caused by improper validation of the database backup path, ultimately enabling remote code execution.

Published Jan 18, 2025 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, with a low-privilege account, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2025-03-13 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Code Injection (CWE-94) vulnerability in Craft CMS Craft CMS. Craft is a flexible, user-friendly CMS for creating custom digital experiences on the web and beyond. This is an remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability that affects Craft 4 and 5 installs where your security key has already been compromised. Anyone running an unpatched version of Craft with a compromised security key is affected. This vulnerability has been patched in Craft 5.5.8 and 4.13.8. Users who cannot update to a patched version, should rotate their security keys and ensure their privacy to help migitgate the issue. Exploitation requires remote network access, higher attack complexity, a low-privilege authenticated account, and user interaction required.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running craft cms: v < 4.13.8, v < 5.5.8, 4.0.0, 5.0.0
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2025-02-20 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2025-03-13.

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://github.com/craftcms/cms/security/advisories/GHSA-x684-96hh-833x
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-23209
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2025-23209
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