CVE-2025-0422 - Authenticated Remote Code Execution in "bestinformed Web" via ScriptVars

A new vulnerability tracked as CVE-2025-0422 has been discovered in the "bestinformed Web" application, exposing organizations to remote code execution (RCE). This severe flaw allows any authenticated user—specifically those who can create ScriptVars of type "script" and preview them—to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying server. While these permissions are typically reserved for administrators, the application's fine-grained access controls can unintentionally distribute them to other, possibly less trusted users. This post explains the vulnerability in plain English, how an attacker might exploit it, and provides example code to demonstrate the issue.

What is "bestinformed Web"?

"bestinformed Web" is a web-based application used for managing and distributing information within organizations. It includes features for creating, editing, and previewing data objects called "Infos" and "ScriptVars."

How Does CVE-2025-0422 Work?

The vulnerability exists because users with the permission to create ScriptVars of the type "script" and to preview them, can supply and execute arbitrary code on the backend server.

- Attack Prerequisite: The attacker must obtain valid credentials for a user account with ScriptVar: Create and ScriptVar: Preview permissions.
- Vulnerable Functionality: When such a user saves or previews a ScriptVar of type "script" (for example, while creating a new "Info"), the application executes the code in the "Value" field on the server without sufficient sanitization or access controls.
- Impact: The attacker can run arbitrary system commands as the user under which the application server runs.

Exploit Scenario: Step by Step

Let's look at a high-level example of how an attacker could exploit CVE-2025-0422.

1. Obtain Permissions

First, the attacker needs an account with sufficient privileges. This could be an admin account or a user to whom the dangerous permissions have been assigned via the application's granular permissions feature.

2. Create a Malicious ScriptVar

Navigate to the ScriptVars section and create a new variable of the type "script". In the "Value" field, insert code that executes a system command. In many Java-based applications, this could look like:

// Example: Run the 'id' command on the server
String[] cmd = {"/bin/sh", "-c", "id > /tmp/pwned.txt"};
Runtime.getRuntime().exec(cmd);

Or, if the scripting engine is Groovy or supports inline shell commands

// Groovy script example to fetch server info
def proc = 'uname -a'.execute()
proc.waitFor()
def output = proc.in.text
return output

3. Trigger Execution

After saving, use the "Preview" function—such as creating a new "Info" that utilizes this ScriptVar. The server will evaluate the provided code at that moment.

4. Result

The command executes on the application server. For example, viewing /tmp/pwned.txt on the server will show the application's privileges:

uid=1002(bestinformed) gid=1002(bestinformed) groups=1002(bestinformed)

Save & Preview.

If vulnerable, the page will show the username of the system account running the application.

Why Is This Dangerous?

- Privilege Escalation: If an attacker gets credentials with these permissions, they can *fully compromise the server*.
- Persistence & Lateral Movement: The attacker could install backdoors, dump credentials, or pivot within your network.
- Not Just Admins: Admins aren't the only risk; permissions may have been delegated to non-admin users (helpdesk, engineers, etc.), greatly increasing the attack surface.

Recommendations

Patch as Soon as Possible!

Check for updates or patches from the vendor

- bestinformed Web Security Advisories *(link for example only—verify vendor’s official pages)*

Audit Permissions:

Identify all accounts with rights to create or preview ScriptVars of "script" type. Reduce permissions to the minimum required set.

References

- Original Advisory (bestinformed Web) *(hypothetical example)*
- Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)
- Remote Code Execution (Wikipedia)

Conclusion

CVE-2025-0422 is a dangerous, authenticated remote code execution vulnerability in "bestinformed Web." If exploited, it allows any attacker with certain permissions to run arbitrary commands on your server. The impact can be catastrophic: data breaches, ransomware, full network takeover. Review your user permissions and patch now. Stay safe!

*(This post is exclusive to this channel and written in clear, plain language.)*

Timeline

Published on: 02/18/2025 08:15:10 UTC