Overview
CVE-2025-56499 describes an incorrect access control vulnerability present in mihomo version 1.19.11. This flaw allows authenticated attackers with low-level privileges to read arbitrary files with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is triggered by obtaining the external control key from the config file, which then allows for unauthorized file access.
Technical Details
The vulnerability stems from insufficient access control mechanisms within mihomo v1.19.11. Specifically, an authenticated user with limited permissions can access the configuration file and retrieve the external control key. This key, intended for administrative or system-level operations, can then be leveraged to bypass intended access restrictions and read sensitive files that should only be accessible to users with higher privileges. The exact mechanisms through which the key is used to access files are detailed in the referenced GitHub repositories.
CVSS Analysis
Currently, the CVSS score and severity for CVE-2025-56499 are listed as N/A. This might indicate that the vulnerability is newly discovered or that the CVSS score is still being calculated. However, the potential impact, as described below, suggests that it could be rated as at least a ‘Medium’ severity vulnerability, depending on the sensitivity of the data accessible and the ease of exploitation.
Possible Impact
The exploitation of CVE-2025-56499 can have significant consequences. A successful attacker could:
- Read sensitive configuration files containing credentials or API keys.
- Access user data, potentially leading to privacy breaches and identity theft.
- Gain insights into the system’s architecture and internal workings, which could be used to plan further attacks.
- Potentially modify system configurations if write access is also attainable using the exposed key, though this isn’t explicitly stated in the CVE description.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-56499, the following steps are recommended:
- Upgrade to a patched version: The most effective solution is to upgrade to a version of mihomo where this vulnerability has been addressed. Check the mihomo project’s website or release notes for updates. Since the description references v1.19.11, look for versions *later* than this.
- Restrict Access to Configuration Files: Implement stricter access control measures to ensure that only authorized users can read the mihomo configuration file. Use operating system-level permissions and access control lists (ACLs).
- Monitor System Activity: Implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect any suspicious activity, such as unauthorized attempts to access sensitive files.
- Review and Rotate Credentials: If you suspect that your mihomo instance has been compromised, review and rotate any sensitive credentials stored in the configuration file, such as API keys or database passwords.
References
GitHub: CVE-2025-56499 Details
GitHub: mihomo v1.19.11 Source Code
