A severe vulnerability, labeled as CVE-2025-25014, has been discovered affecting Kibana, an open-source data visualization and exploration platform developed by Elastic. The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit prototype pollution in the Kibana codebase to inject arbitrary code and execute it via tailored HTTP requests targeted at the platform's Machine Learning and Reporting endpoints. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized code execution, leading to complete system compromise.

Background on Prototype Pollution

Prototype Pollution refers to the abuse of an application's objects in JavaScript environments, where an attacker could manipulate how JavaScript processes the prototypes (an object that every other object in JavaScript derives from) to introduce malicious code. Since numerous objects inherit from the modified prototype, the attacker can potentially use this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, causing a severe security threat.

A detailed deep-dive on prototype pollution can be referred to from the following link: Prototype Pollution Explained.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability exists in Kibana's handling of specific HTTP requests directed at the Machine Learning and Reporting endpoints. A well-crafted HTTP request containing prototype pollution payloads can cause the affected server to execute arbitrary code. Depending on the privileges of the Kibana server and user roles, a successful exploitation attempt can result in anything from unauthorized data access to complete system compromise.

A code snippet demonstrating the vulnerable code within Kibana's codebase is provided below

// Kibana vulnerable code
function handleRequest(req, res) {
  let query = req.query;
  let body = req.body;
  
  // how the application handles user input
  for (let key in query) {
    body[key] = query[key];
  }
  
  // vulnerable assignment
  _.merge(body, JSON.parse(fn(body)));
  
  // function call to the Machine Learning and Reporting endpoints
  let result = processData(body);
  res.send(result);
}

Exploit

As a proof-of-concept for this vulnerability, an attacker could craft an HTTP request similar to the example below, which would trigger the prototype pollution issue and lead to remote code execution:

POST /vulnerable_endpoint HTTP/1.1
Host: target-kibana-server.example.com
Content-Type: application/json
Content-Length: N

{"__proto__":{"polluted_property":"<insert arbitrary code to execute>"}}

Upon receiving this request, the Kibana server would process it as part of the Machine Learning and Reporting endpoints, ultimately leading to the execution of the arbitrary code included within the "polluted_property" attribute.

Mitigation and Recommendations

Affected Kibana installations should apply the patch provided by Elastic as soon as possible to remediate this vulnerability Kibana Security Advisory. Additionally, administrators should consider the following security best practices:

Restrict network access to Kibana instances, limiting exposure to trusted networks and users.

3. Implement proper input validation and sanitization for HTTP requests targeting Kibana endpoints to prevent possible attack vectors.

Conclusion

CVE-2025-25014 represents a severe security vulnerability affecting the widely used Kibana platform, allowing remote attackers to potentially compromise affected systems through crafted HTTP requests. Quick action in updating to the latest Kibana version and applying security best practices can help organizations prevent possible security breaches due to this vulnerability.

Timeline

Published on: 05/06/2025 18:15:37 UTC
Last modified on: 05/07/2025 14:13:20 UTC