CVE-2025-12740 is a vulnerability in Google Cloud Looker, specifically related to improper input validation (CWE-20) when handling parameters of the IBM DB2 database driver. A user assigned the Developer role can create a database connection using the IBM DB2 driver and manipulate LookML (Looker's modeling language) to inject malicious commands. This occurs because Looker does not adequately filter or sanitize the parameters passed to the IBM DB2 driver, allowing crafted inputs to be interpreted as executable commands. The vulnerability affects both Looker-hosted and Self-hosted deployments; however, Google Cloud has already mitigated the issue for Looker-hosted instances, requiring no user intervention. Self-hosted instances remain vulnerable unless upgraded to patched versions starting from 25.0.93 and later releases. Exploitation requires a user with Developer privileges, which implies some level of trust and access within the organization. The vulnerability can lead to remote code execution, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates network attack vector, high complexity, partial privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on all security properties. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the potential for damage is significant if exploited.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a critical risk especially for those relying on Self-hosted Looker instances integrated with IBM DB2 databases. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker with Developer role to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized data manipulation, or disruption of analytics services. This could impact sensitive business intelligence data, regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR), and operational continuity. Organizations in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors using Looker for data analytics are particularly at risk. The breach of confidentiality and integrity could lead to reputational damage and financial penalties under European data protection laws. Additionally, disruption of analytics platforms could impair decision-making processes. Since Looker-hosted instances are already mitigated, the primary concern is for enterprises managing their own Looker deployments, which are common in larger organizations with strict data residency requirements.

Immediate upgrade of all Self-hosted Looker instances to the patched versions (25.0.93+, 25.6.84+, 25.12.42+, 25.14.50+, 25.16.44+) is essential. Organizations should audit and restrict Developer role assignments to trusted personnel only, minimizing the attack surface. Implement strict monitoring and alerting on LookML changes and database connection creations, focusing on IBM DB2 driver usage. Employ network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit access to Looker instances and underlying infrastructure. Conduct regular security reviews of LookML models and database connection configurations to detect anomalous or unauthorized modifications. Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) or web application firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect suspicious command injection attempts. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups of Looker configurations and data to enable rapid recovery if compromise occurs.