Overview
CVE-2025-13828 describes a significant security vulnerability in Mautic, a popular open-source marketing automation platform. This flaw allows a non-privileged user to install and remove arbitrary packages via Composer, even when the “enable composer based update” setting is disabled. This circumvents intended security controls and creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code into the Mautic instance.
Technical Details
The vulnerability stems from insufficient access control checks within the Composer integration. Despite disabling the Composer-based update feature, the application fails to properly restrict Composer functionality for unauthenticated or low-privileged users. This oversight allows a malicious actor to leverage Composer to install or remove packages directly, potentially overwriting existing files or adding backdoors to the system.
Specifically, it is understood that the functionality is accessed through a specific endpoint that bypasses the intended security settings.
CVSS Analysis
Currently, a CVSS score is N/A for CVE-2025-13828. However, given the potential for privilege escalation and system compromise, a high CVSS score is anticipated. Awaiting for official CVSS scores and vectors.
The impact of this vulnerability is significant, potentially allowing an attacker to gain full control over the Mautic instance.
Possible Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-13828 is severe. A successful exploit can lead to:
- Privilege Escalation: Attackers can install packages that grant them administrative access.
- Data Breach: Malicious packages can be used to steal sensitive data stored within the Mautic instance.
- System Compromise: Complete control of the Mautic server, leading to further attacks on the network.
- Denial of Service: Removal of critical packages can render the Mautic instance unusable.
- Code Execution: Install malicious packages to inject code into Mautic instance.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The recommended mitigation is to apply the security patch provided by the Mautic team as soon as possible. The patch addresses the insufficient access control checks and properly restricts Composer functionality. You can find the patched version in the advisory reference link provided below.
- Upgrade Mautic: Upgrade your Mautic instance to the latest version that includes the fix for CVE-2025-13828.
- Review Composer Settings: Ensure that Composer-based updates are only enabled when absolutely necessary and are managed by trusted administrators.
- Monitor System Logs: Regularly monitor system logs for suspicious activity related to Composer package installations or removals.
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF): Implement a WAF solution to detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable endpoint.
