CVE-2025-27446
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a local attacker to exploit incorrect file permissions in Apache APISIX's Java plugin runner to elevate privileges. It affects users running Apache APISIX with java-plugin-runner versions 0.2.0 through 0.5.0. Attackers must have local access to the system to exploit this flaw.
💻 Affected Systems
- Apache APISIX (java-plugin-runner)
📦 What is this software?
Apisix by Apache
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local attacker gains root/system-level privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local user or compromised service account escalates to higher privileges, potentially gaining control over APISIX and adjacent services.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and least privilege, impact limited to the APISIX service and its data.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access; no public exploit code available at disclosure time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 0.6.0 or higher
Vendor Advisory: https://lists.apache.org/thread/qwxnxolt0j5nvjfpr0mlz6h7nrtvyzng
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Stop APISIX service. 2. Upgrade java-plugin-runner to version 0.6.0+. 3. Restart APISIX service. 4. Verify version and functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
allLimit local user access to APISIX host to reduce attack surface.
# Review and restrict user accounts with shell access
# Implement strict access controls for service accounts
File permission hardening
linuxManually review and tighten permissions on APISIX-related files and directories.
# Audit file permissions in APISIX installation directory
# chmod 750 /path/to/apisix/directories
# chown root:apisix /path/to/apisix/files
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate APISIX host from other critical systems using network segmentation.
- Implement strict monitoring for privilege escalation attempts and file permission changes.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check java-plugin-runner version: grep -r 'java-plugin-runner' /path/to/apisix/ or check package manager.Check Version:
java -jar /path/to/java-plugin-runner.jar --version or check installed package version.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 0.6.0 or higher and test plugin functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected file permission changes in APISIX directories
- Unusual process execution by APISIX service account
- Failed privilege escalation attempts in system logs
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
source="apisix" AND (event="permission_change" OR event="process_elevation")