CVE-2025-48010 is an authentication bypass vulnerability identified in the Drupal One Time Password (OTP) module, affecting versions prior to 1.3.0, specifically version 0.0.0 as noted. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-288, which pertains to authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel. This means that an attacker can circumvent the intended authentication mechanism by exploiting an alternate access route or communication channel within the OTP functionality. The OTP module is designed to enhance security by providing one-time password capabilities for user authentication, but this flaw allows an attacker to bypass these controls, potentially gaining unauthorized access without valid credentials. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.8 (medium severity), with the vector indicating network attack vector (AV:N), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and low impact on confidentiality and integrity (C:L/I:L) with no impact on availability (A:N). No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no patches are currently linked, suggesting that mitigation may require updating to a fixed version once available. The vulnerability could be exploited remotely without authentication or user interaction, but the high attack complexity reduces the likelihood of successful exploitation. This flaw undermines the security assurances provided by the OTP module, potentially allowing attackers to bypass multi-factor authentication protections in Drupal-based systems that utilize this module.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-48010 can be significant, especially for those relying on Drupal CMS with the One Time Password module for securing user authentication. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive systems, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within networks. This is particularly concerning for sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government institutions in Europe, where GDPR compliance mandates robust access controls. Although the vulnerability has a medium severity rating and high attack complexity, the fact that no privileges or user interaction are required means that attackers could attempt remote exploitation without insider access. This could facilitate espionage, data theft, or disruption of services. The bypass of OTP mechanisms weakens multi-factor authentication strategies, a critical defense layer against credential compromise. Consequently, organizations may face reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and operational disruptions if exploited. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as threat actors often develop exploits following public disclosure.

European organizations should proactively monitor Drupal security advisories for updates to the One Time Password module and apply patches promptly once available. Until a patch is released, organizations should consider disabling the OTP module if feasible or restricting its use to trusted internal networks to reduce exposure. Implementing additional layers of authentication, such as hardware tokens or biometric factors, can compensate for the weakened OTP security. Network-level protections like Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) should be configured to detect and block anomalous authentication attempts or unusual access patterns targeting the OTP endpoints. Regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on authentication mechanisms can help identify exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict access controls and monitor logs for suspicious activities related to authentication bypass attempts. Educating administrators and users about this vulnerability and encouraging vigilance against phishing or social engineering attacks that could leverage this flaw is also recommended.