CVE-2025-28965 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) affecting the Md Yeasin Ul Haider URL Shortener product up to version 3.0.7. This vulnerability arises due to improper access control mechanisms, where certain functionalities within the URL Shortener application are accessible without proper authorization checks enforced by Access Control Lists (ACLs). Specifically, the flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to invoke sensitive functions that should be restricted, potentially leading to unauthorized actions. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.6 reflects a critical security weakness with network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction needed (UI:N). The impact metrics indicate low confidentiality impact but high integrity impact and low availability impact, meaning attackers can alter or manipulate data or system state significantly while causing limited data disclosure or downtime. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability’s characteristics make it a prime candidate for exploitation by attackers aiming to manipulate URL redirection, inject malicious payloads, or disrupt service integrity. The lack of available patches or mitigations at this time further elevates the risk for users of this URL Shortener software. Given the nature of URL shorteners as intermediaries redirecting users to target destinations, unauthorized access could facilitate phishing, malware distribution, or unauthorized modification of shortened URLs, undermining trust and security for end users and organizations relying on this service.

For European organizations, the exploitation of this missing authorization vulnerability could have significant consequences. URL shorteners are often used in marketing campaigns, internal communications, and third-party integrations. An attacker exploiting this flaw could alter shortened URLs to redirect users to malicious sites, leading to phishing attacks or malware infections. This compromises user trust and potentially exposes organizations to data breaches or regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised. Additionally, unauthorized modification of URL mappings could disrupt business operations, cause reputational damage, and facilitate further lateral movement within networks if attackers leverage the URL shortener as a pivot point. The integrity impact is particularly concerning for sectors relying on accurate and secure link management, such as finance, healthcare, and government institutions. The vulnerability’s network-exploitable nature without authentication means attackers can operate remotely and anonymously, increasing the threat surface. The absence of patches also means organizations must rely on compensating controls, increasing operational overhead and risk.

Given the absence of official patches, European organizations should implement several targeted mitigations: 1) Restrict network access to the URL Shortener application by implementing firewall rules or network segmentation to limit exposure to trusted internal users or IP ranges. 2) Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block unauthorized access attempts or suspicious parameter manipulations targeting the URL Shortener endpoints. 3) Conduct thorough access control reviews and, if possible, apply manual code audits or temporary fixes to enforce proper authorization checks on sensitive functions within the URL Shortener. 4) Monitor application logs and network traffic for anomalous activities indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unusual URL modifications or access patterns. 5) Educate users and administrators about the risks of URL manipulation and encourage verification of shortened URLs before clicking or sharing. 6) Consider migrating to alternative URL shortening solutions with verified security postures until an official patch is released. 7) Implement multi-factor authentication and strict role-based access controls for administrative interfaces related to URL management to reduce insider threats and accidental misuse.