CVE-2025-48912 is a high-severity SQL Injection vulnerability affecting Apache Superset versions prior to 4.1.2. Apache Superset is an open-source data visualization and business intelligence platform widely used for interactive data exploration and dashboarding. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands (CWE-89) specifically within the 'sqlExpression' fields. An authenticated attacker can craft malicious requests that inject SQL sub-queries, bypassing row-level security (RLS) configurations designed to restrict data access. This bypass occurs because the injected SQL sub-queries evade the platform's parsing defenses, allowing unauthorized data retrieval beyond the intended access scope. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited remotely over the network with low attack complexity, but it does require the attacker to have some level of authenticated access (privileges). The CVSS 4.0 base score is 7.1, reflecting high severity due to the potential for unauthorized data disclosure and the ability to circumvent critical access controls. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date, but the risk remains significant given the nature of the vulnerability and the sensitive data typically handled by Superset deployments. The recommended remediation is to upgrade to Apache Superset version 4.1.2 or later, where this issue has been fixed.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial. Apache Superset is used by enterprises, government agencies, and research institutions across Europe for data analytics and decision-making. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or regulated data, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations, potentially resulting in legal penalties and reputational damage. The bypass of row-level security means attackers with limited privileges could escalate their data access rights, exposing confidential business intelligence, personal data, or strategic information. This could facilitate further attacks such as insider threat exploitation, corporate espionage, or competitive disadvantage. The vulnerability also undermines trust in data governance frameworks and may disrupt operational continuity if exploited in critical analytics environments.

European organizations should immediately assess their Apache Superset deployments and prioritize upgrading to version 4.1.2 or later. Beyond patching, organizations should audit and tighten authentication and authorization controls to minimize the risk of compromised credentials being used to exploit this vulnerability. Implement strict monitoring and logging of SQL queries and access patterns within Superset to detect anomalous or unauthorized query activity indicative of injection attempts. Employ network segmentation and access controls to restrict Superset access to trusted users and systems only. Conduct regular security reviews of custom SQL expressions and dashboards to identify potential injection vectors. Additionally, consider deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules tailored to detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting Superset. Finally, integrate vulnerability management processes to ensure timely application of security updates in the future.