CVE-2025-45146 is a deserialization vulnerability identified in the ModelCache component used for large language models (LLMs), specifically through the /manager/data_manager.py module in versions up to 0.2.0. Deserialization vulnerabilities occur when untrusted data is deserialized without proper validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to craft malicious input that, when deserialized, can execute arbitrary code on the target system. In this case, an attacker can supply specially crafted data to the vulnerable component, leading to remote code execution (RCE). This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can allow attackers to gain full control over the affected system, bypass security controls, and potentially move laterally within a network. The vulnerability does not currently have a CVSS score, nor are there known exploits in the wild, but the technical details indicate a high-risk flaw due to the nature of deserialization attacks and the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, increasing the urgency for organizations using ModelCache for LLMs to assess their exposure and implement mitigations.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be significant, especially for those integrating ModelCache in their AI or machine learning infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, data breaches, service disruption, or full system compromise. Organizations relying on LLMs for critical business functions, research, or customer-facing applications may face operational downtime, loss of sensitive intellectual property, or reputational damage. Given the growing adoption of AI technologies across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government in Europe, the risk extends beyond individual systems to potentially critical infrastructure. Moreover, exploitation could facilitate further attacks such as ransomware deployment or espionage, amplifying the threat landscape for European entities.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Immediately audit their use of ModelCache and identify any deployments of versions up to 0.2.0. 2) Restrict or disable deserialization of untrusted data within the /manager/data_manager.py component or isolate this functionality in a sandboxed environment to limit potential damage. 3) Monitor network traffic and logs for anomalous or unexpected data inputs targeting the data_manager.py endpoint. 4) Implement strict input validation and employ allow-listing for serialized data formats where possible. 5) Engage with the ModelCache maintainers or community to obtain patches or updates as soon as they become available. 6) Employ runtime application self-protection (RASP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and block suspicious code execution attempts. 7) Conduct penetration testing focused on deserialization attack vectors to assess exposure. 8) Ensure robust backup and incident response plans are in place to recover quickly if exploitation occurs.