CVE-2025-27446 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the Apache APISIX Java Plugin Runner, versions 0.2.0 through 0.5.0. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-732, which pertains to incorrect permission assignment for critical resources. Specifically, the issue arises from improper local file permissions set on the local listening files used by the APISIX Java Plugin Runner. These files are critical resources that, if accessible or modifiable by unauthorized local users, can be exploited to escalate privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability allows a local attacker with limited privileges to gain higher privileges without requiring user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L), and no user interaction (UI:N). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). This means an attacker can fully compromise the system by exploiting this vulnerability. The root cause is the incorrect assignment of permissions on the local listening files, which should be restricted to trusted users only. The vulnerability was reserved in February 2025 and published in July 2025. The recommended remediation is to upgrade to version 0.6.0 or higher, where the issue has been fixed. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the severity and nature of the vulnerability make it a significant risk for environments running vulnerable versions of Apache APISIX Java Plugin Runner.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those relying on Apache APISIX for API gateway and microservices management. Successful exploitation could lead to local privilege escalation, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access to critical infrastructure components. This can result in unauthorized data access, modification, or destruction, disruption of API services, and potential lateral movement within the network. Industries such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and government agencies in Europe, which often deploy API gateways for service orchestration, could face severe operational and reputational damage. Additionally, compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations could be jeopardized if sensitive data confidentiality or integrity is compromised. The local attack vector means that attackers need some level of access to the system, which could be achieved through other vulnerabilities or insider threats, increasing the overall risk profile.

European organizations should immediately assess their deployment of Apache APISIX Java Plugin Runner and identify any instances running versions 0.2.0 through 0.5.0. The primary mitigation is to upgrade all affected instances to version 0.6.0 or later, where the permission assignment issue has been corrected. Until upgrades can be performed, organizations should audit and manually restrict file system permissions on the local listening files used by the plugin runner to ensure only trusted administrative users have access. Implement strict local user access controls and monitoring to detect any unauthorized attempts to access or modify these files. Employ host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) to alert on suspicious local privilege escalation attempts. Additionally, review and harden the overall security posture of systems running APISIX, including limiting local user accounts and applying the principle of least privilege. Regularly monitor vendor advisories for any updates or patches related to this vulnerability and test patches in controlled environments before deployment.