CVE-2025-31995 identifies an improper input validation vulnerability (CWE-20) in HCL Software's MaxAI Workbench, specifically affecting versions 12.1.10 through 25.1. Improper input validation means the software does not adequately verify or sanitize user-supplied data before processing it. This weakness can be exploited by attackers to inject malicious payloads such as SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), or command injection attacks. SQL Injection could allow attackers to manipulate backend databases, potentially altering or corrupting data. XSS attacks could enable attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users, leading to session hijacking or phishing. Command injection could allow execution of arbitrary commands on the host system, potentially leading to unauthorized access or system compromise. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have low privileges and user interaction, such as tricking a user into submitting crafted input. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 3.5, reflecting low severity due to limited impact on confidentiality and availability, and the requirement for user interaction and privileges. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no official patches have been released as of the publication date (October 13, 2025). Organizations using MaxAI Workbench should prioritize input validation improvements and monitor for vendor patches.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could range from minor data integrity issues to more serious unauthorized access if attackers successfully exploit injection flaws. While confidentiality and availability impacts are rated low, integrity breaches could affect decision-making processes, especially in environments relying on MaxAI Workbench for AI-driven analytics or business intelligence. Data breaches or unauthorized command execution could lead to regulatory compliance issues under GDPR, resulting in fines and reputational damage. The requirement for low privileges and user interaction reduces the likelihood of widespread exploitation but does not eliminate risk, particularly in environments with many users or where social engineering is feasible. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that use MaxAI Workbench may face higher risks due to the sensitivity of their data and operational reliance on the software.

European organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied data within MaxAI Workbench workflows to prevent injection attacks. Employing web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules targeting injection patterns can provide an additional layer of defense. Limit user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the attack surface, and educate users to recognize and avoid suspicious input requests or social engineering attempts. Monitor application logs and network traffic for unusual activity indicative of injection attempts or command execution. Since no patches are currently available, organizations should engage with HCL Software for timelines on fixes and consider temporary compensating controls such as disabling vulnerable features or isolating the affected application environment. Regularly update and audit security configurations and conduct penetration testing focused on injection vulnerabilities. Finally, ensure incident response plans include scenarios for injection-based attacks on MaxAI Workbench.