Overview
CVE-2025-66509 details a critical security vulnerability affecting LaraDashboard, an all-in-one solution designed for starting Laravel applications. Versions 2.3.0 and earlier are susceptible to a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability. This vulnerability stems from the application’s reliance on the Host header during the password reset process and the ability to trigger code execution during module installation.
Technical Details
The vulnerability arises from two primary issues:
- Host Header Trust in Password Reset: LaraDashboard versions 2.3.0 and earlier incorrectly trust the HTTP Host header during the password reset process. This allows an attacker to manipulate the Host header to redirect the password reset token link to an attacker-controlled server.
- Code Execution via Module Installation: The LaraDashboard module installation process automatically executes the
ServiceProvider::boot()method. By combining the compromised password reset token with a crafted module installation, an attacker can inject arbitrary PHP code that will be executed during the boot process.
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by first initiating a password reset request for an administrator account. Then, by intercepting and manipulating the password reset link (which now points to their controlled server), they can craft a malicious module. Upon installing this module, the injected PHP code will be executed on the server, granting the attacker remote code execution capabilities.
CVSS Analysis
Unfortunately, a CVSS score isn’t available at the time of this writing. Given the remote code execution potential, it is likely this vulnerability would be rated as Critical with a CVSS score of 9.0 or higher, depending on exploitability and scope.
Factors contributing to the severity are the ease of exploitation (manipulating the Host header is relatively straightforward), the impact (full system compromise), and the potential for lateral movement within the network.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-66509 can lead to severe consequences, including:
- Full System Compromise: The attacker gains complete control over the LaraDashboard server.
- Data Breach: Sensitive data stored within the LaraDashboard application and potentially the entire server can be accessed, modified, or deleted.
- Service Disruption: The attacker can disrupt the availability of the application and associated services.
- Malware Deployment: The compromised server can be used as a staging ground for further attacks, such as deploying malware to other systems on the network.
- Account Takeover: Attackers can take over administrative accounts, granting them control over the entire application and its users.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The recommended mitigation is to upgrade to a patched version of LaraDashboard that addresses this vulnerability. According to the provided references, a fix has been implemented.
- Upgrade LaraDashboard: Update your LaraDashboard installation to the latest version, ensuring the fix from the following commit is included: https://github.com/laradashboard/laradashboard/commit/cc42f9cdf8e59bce794ee2d812a9709b1e6efa87.
- Verify Host Header Handling: Ensure that the application properly validates and sanitizes the Host header to prevent malicious redirection.
- Review Module Installation Process: Harden the module installation process to prevent arbitrary code execution. Consider implementing code review and security checks for all modules before installation.
References
LaraDashboard Commit (Fix): github.com/laradashboard/laradashboard/commit/cc42f9cdf8e59bce794ee2d812a9709b1e6efa87
LaraDashboard Security Advisory: github.com/laradashboard/laradashboard/security/advisories/GHSA-j9mm-c9cj-pc82
