CVE-2025-4759 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting versions of the npm package lockfile-lint-api prior to 5.9.2. The vulnerability arises due to an incorrect behavior order in the validation logic of the package URL's resolved attribute. Specifically, the validation intended to restrict package installation to a certain package name can be bypassed by an attacker who extends the package name string. This bypass allows the attacker to install arbitrary npm packages other than the intended one, potentially introducing malicious code into the software supply chain. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction and can be exploited remotely over the network. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.9, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and limited scope and impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The flaw lies in early validation logic that incorrectly orders checks, allowing crafted package names to evade restrictions. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a risk to development environments and CI/CD pipelines that rely on lockfile-lint-api for package integrity verification. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could introduce malicious dependencies, leading to supply chain compromise, code execution, or data exfiltration depending on the downstream usage of the compromised packages.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to software supply chain security, especially for those heavily reliant on npm packages and automated dependency validation tools like lockfile-lint-api. Compromise of package integrity can lead to the introduction of malicious code into production environments, potentially resulting in data breaches, service disruptions, or unauthorized access. Organizations in sectors with stringent regulatory requirements such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure may face compliance violations if compromised. The risk is amplified for organizations using CI/CD pipelines that automatically install and validate npm dependencies, as the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass package name restrictions and inject malicious packages without detection. This could lead to widespread impact across development, testing, and production environments. Furthermore, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted supply chain attacks against European software vendors, impacting their customers and partners. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability details are widely known.

European organizations should immediately upgrade lockfile-lint-api to version 5.9.2 or later, where this vulnerability is patched. Until upgrade is possible, organizations should implement strict manual review processes for package dependencies and lockfiles, especially scrutinizing any unusual or extended package names. Incorporating additional validation layers outside of lockfile-lint-api, such as independent package signature verification or using alternative supply chain security tools, can reduce risk. Organizations should also monitor their CI/CD pipelines for anomalous package installation behaviors and enforce network segmentation to limit exposure of build environments. Security teams should update internal threat intelligence and vulnerability management systems to detect and prioritize this CVE. Finally, educating developers and DevOps teams about this vulnerability and secure dependency management practices will help prevent exploitation.