CVE-2025-24404 is a critical XML Injection vulnerability classified under CWE-91, affecting Apache HertzBeat (incubating) versions before 1.7.0. The flaw exists in the XML parsing logic of the HTTP sitemap response used by the monitoring feature. An attacker with an authenticated account and permissions to add monitors that parse XML can supply specially crafted XML content that triggers Blind XPath Injection. This injection allows the attacker to manipulate XPath queries used internally by the application, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE). The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond authentication and can be exploited remotely over the network. The root cause is insufficient input validation and sanitization of XML data before parsing. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising the host system and the monitoring infrastructure. Apache has fixed this issue in version 1.7.0, and users should upgrade immediately to mitigate risk. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the high CVSS score (8.8) indicates a significant threat if weaponized.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a severe risk, especially those relying on Apache HertzBeat for monitoring critical IT infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data breaches, and disruption of monitoring services, impacting operational continuity. Given the vulnerability requires authenticated access, insider threats or compromised credentials could facilitate exploitation. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely could allow attackers to move laterally within networks, escalate privileges, or deploy ransomware. Organizations in sectors such as finance, energy, telecommunications, and government are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on robust monitoring solutions. The disruption or manipulation of monitoring data could delay incident detection and response, exacerbating the impact of other attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in supply chain attacks if attackers compromise monitoring infrastructure used by multiple organizations.

Immediate upgrade to Apache HertzBeat version 1.7.0 or later is the primary mitigation step, as this version contains the patch for the XML Injection vulnerability. Organizations should audit and restrict access to monitoring configuration interfaces, ensuring only trusted and necessary personnel have authenticated accounts with monitor creation privileges. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the risk of credential compromise. Conduct regular reviews of monitor configurations to detect any unauthorized or suspicious XML inputs. Network segmentation should be applied to isolate monitoring systems from broader enterprise networks, limiting lateral movement opportunities. Employ runtime application self-protection (RASP) or web application firewalls (WAFs) capable of detecting and blocking malicious XML payloads or XPath injection attempts. Finally, maintain vigilant monitoring and logging of authentication and configuration changes to detect potential exploitation attempts early.