CVE-2025-41233 is an authenticated blind SQL Injection vulnerability identified in VMware Avi Load Balancer versions 30.1.1, 30.1.2, 30.2.1, 30.2.2, and 31.1.1. The vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands (CWE-89), allowing an attacker with valid authentication and network access to craft malicious SQL queries that can be executed against the backend database. This flaw enables unauthorized disclosure of sensitive database information, impacting confidentiality without affecting data integrity or availability. The vulnerability is classified as moderate severity with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.8, reflecting that exploitation requires high privileges (authenticated user) but no user interaction and low attack complexity. The scope is considered changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. Exploitation does not require UI interaction but does require network access and valid credentials, limiting the attack surface to authenticated users. VMware has released patches in versions 30.1.2-2p3, 30.2.1-2p6, 30.2.2-2p5, and 31.1.1-2p2 to remediate this issue. No workarounds are available. The vulnerability allows attackers to perform blind SQL injection, which can be used to extract sensitive data from the database, potentially including credentials, configuration details, or other critical information stored by the load balancer. Given the role of Avi Load Balancer in managing and distributing network traffic, compromise of its database confidentiality could lead to further lateral movement or targeted attacks within an organization's infrastructure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-41233 can be significant, especially for those relying on VMware Avi Load Balancer for critical network traffic management and application delivery. Unauthorized database access could expose sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or operational details, potentially facilitating further attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within corporate networks. Confidentiality breaches could lead to compliance violations under GDPR, resulting in legal and financial penalties. The vulnerability does not directly affect data integrity or availability, but the exposure of sensitive information could indirectly compromise system security and trustworthiness. Organizations in sectors with high regulatory requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and government, are particularly at risk. Additionally, the requirement for authenticated access means insider threats or compromised credentials could be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability. The absence of workarounds increases the urgency for patching to prevent exploitation. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the moderate severity and potential for data leakage necessitate proactive mitigation to avoid future targeted attacks.

1. Immediate application of VMware's official patches to affected Avi Load Balancer versions is critical. Ensure all instances running vulnerable versions (30.1.1, 30.1.2, 30.2.1, 30.2.2, and 31.1.1) are updated to the fixed versions (e.g., 30.1.2-2p3, 30.2.1-2p6, 30.2.2-2p5, 31.1.1-2p2). 2. Restrict administrative and authenticated access to the Avi Load Balancer management interfaces to trusted networks and users only, employing network segmentation and zero-trust principles. 3. Implement strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users with access to the load balancer to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 4. Conduct regular audits of user accounts and permissions on the Avi Load Balancer to ensure least privilege principles are enforced. 5. Monitor logs for unusual or suspicious SQL query patterns or database access attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or database activity monitoring tools capable of detecting and blocking anomalous SQL injection patterns, tailored specifically for the Avi Load Balancer environment. 7. Develop and test incident response plans that include scenarios involving SQL injection attacks on network infrastructure components. 8. Coordinate with VMware support for any additional security advisories or updates related to this vulnerability. These targeted actions go beyond generic patching advice by emphasizing access control hardening, monitoring, and proactive detection tailored to the specific nature of this vulnerability.