CVE-2025-68619
📋 TL;DR
Signal K Server versions before 2.19.0 allow authenticated administrators to install npm packages from arbitrary sources via the appstore interface. This enables remote code execution through malicious postinstall scripts. Only administrators can exploit this vulnerability, but it affects all Signal K Server deployments using vulnerable versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Signal K Server
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attacker to execute arbitrary code with server privileges, potentially taking control of the vessel's navigation and monitoring systems.
Likely Case
Attacker with admin credentials installs malicious package to establish persistence, exfiltrate data, or disrupt marine systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls restrict admin accounts and network segmentation isolates the Signal K Server.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires admin credentials but is straightforward once obtained. The vulnerability is well-documented in the advisory.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.19.0
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/SignalK/signalk-server/security/advisories/GHSA-93jc-vqqc-vvvh
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup current configuration. 2. Update Signal K Server to version 2.19.0 or later. 3. Restart the Signal K Server service. 4. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable appstore interface
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable appstore REST API endpoint if not required
Modify Signal K Server configuration to disable appstore interface
Restrict admin access
allImplement strict access controls and multi-factor authentication for admin accounts
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to isolate Signal K Server from critical systems
- Enable detailed logging and monitoring of admin activities and npm install commands
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Signal K Server version. If version is below 2.19.0 and appstore interface is enabled, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check Signal K Server web interface or configuration files for version informationVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Signal K Server version is 2.19.0 or higher and test that npm package installation from arbitrary URLs is blocked.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual npm install commands in server logs
- Package installations from non-npm registry sources
- Admin account activity outside normal patterns
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to unusual git repositories or URLs during package installation
- Unexpected network traffic from Signal K Server
SIEM Query:
source="signalk-server" AND ("npm install" OR "package.json" OR "postinstall")