Overview
CVE-2025-49656 is a critical vulnerability that affects the Apache Jena Fuseki server. It allows users with administrative access to create database files outside the designated files area of the server, potentially leading to system compromise or data leakage. This issue is of particular concern to organizations using Apache Jena versions up to 5.4.0, and it underlines the importance of regular software updates and strong cybersecurity practices.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-49656
Severity: High (7.5 CVSS score)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: High (Administrator)
User Interaction: None
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
Apache Jena | Up to 5.4.0
How the Exploit Works
An attacker with administrator privileges can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to the Fuseki server to create a new database file. Instead of creating the database within the designated files area of the server, the attacker could specify a different location, potentially overwriting critical system files or creating new files in sensitive areas, leading to system compromise or data leakage.
Conceptual Example Code
Here is a conceptual example of how the vulnerability might be exploited. This example assumes the attacker has already obtained administrative access:
POST /fuseki/dataset HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.com
Content-Type: application/json
Authorization: Bearer [Admin Access Token]
{
"dbName": "../../../etc/passwd",
"dbContent": "malicious_content"
}In this example, an attacker is attempting to overwrite the “/etc/passwd” file, which is a critical system file in Unix-based systems. The “dbName” value is manipulated to traverse the directory structure to the desired location, and the “dbContent” value contains the malicious content to be written into the file.
