CVE-2025-24404 is a security vulnerability identified in the Apache HertzBeat (incubating) project, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.7.0. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-91, which corresponds to XML Injection, also known as Blind XPath Injection. This issue arises from improper handling of XML input during the parsing of HTTP sitemap XML responses within the monitoring functionality of HertzBeat. An attacker with an authenticated account and access to the system can add a monitor that parses XML content. By injecting specially crafted XML data, the attacker can exploit the XML parsing mechanism to trigger remote code execution (RCE). This means that the attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code on the server running HertzBeat, leading to a full compromise of the affected system. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have valid credentials and access to the monitoring feature, which limits exploitation to insiders or compromised accounts. The Apache Software Foundation has addressed this vulnerability in version 1.7.0 of HertzBeat, and users are strongly advised to upgrade to this version to mitigate the risk. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations using Apache HertzBeat for monitoring and observability, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution on monitoring infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to pivot within internal networks, access sensitive operational data, or disrupt monitoring services. Given that monitoring systems often have elevated privileges or network visibility, compromise could lead to broader impacts including data exfiltration, service disruption, or further lateral movement. The requirement for authenticated access reduces the risk from external attackers but increases the threat from insider threats or attackers who have obtained legitimate credentials through phishing or other means. Organizations in critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government, which rely on continuous monitoring for operational stability and security, could face operational disruptions and compliance issues if this vulnerability is exploited.

1. Immediate upgrade to Apache HertzBeat version 1.7.0 or later, which contains the fix for this vulnerability. 2. Implement strict access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts with access to the monitoring system to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3. Conduct regular audits of user accounts and permissions within HertzBeat to ensure only authorized personnel have access to XML parsing features. 4. Monitor logs for unusual activity related to monitor creation or XML parsing errors that could indicate attempted exploitation. 5. Employ network segmentation to isolate monitoring infrastructure from critical production systems to limit potential lateral movement in case of compromise. 6. Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) or web application firewalls (WAF) capable of detecting and blocking XML injection patterns. 7. Educate users with access about the risks of credential phishing and enforce strong password policies.