CVE-2025-51481 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the Dagster data orchestration platform, specifically in the dagster._grpc.impl.get_notebook_data function. This vulnerability affects version 1.10.14 of Dagster. The flaw arises because the function improperly validates the notebook_path field in ExternalNotebookData requests sent to the gRPC server. Attackers who have access to the gRPC server can exploit this vulnerability by supplying path traversal sequences (e.g., ../) in the notebook_path parameter. This allows them to bypass the intended extension-based checks that are supposed to restrict file access to certain notebook file types. As a result, an attacker can read arbitrary files on the server's filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, credentials, or other private data. The vulnerability requires that the attacker already has access to the gRPC server interface, which is typically not exposed publicly but may be accessible within internal networks or through compromised credentials. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no official patches or fixes have been linked yet. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly published and may not have been fully assessed for severity. However, the ability to read arbitrary files without authentication or with minimal access control is a significant security risk, especially in environments where Dagster orchestrates critical data workflows.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially those using Dagster for data orchestration in sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government services. Unauthorized file access could lead to exposure of sensitive personal data protected under GDPR, intellectual property, or internal operational data. This could result in regulatory fines, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. Since Dagster is often deployed in cloud or hybrid environments, attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain insights into the infrastructure or credentials that facilitate lateral movement within networks. The impact is heightened in organizations with less segmented internal networks or where the gRPC server is exposed beyond strict internal boundaries. Additionally, organizations relying on notebooks for data science and analytics may have sensitive datasets or proprietary algorithms at risk. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the potential for future exploitation remains high.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should first restrict access to the Dagster gRPC server to trusted internal networks and authenticated users only, using network segmentation and firewall rules. Implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms for the gRPC interface to prevent unauthorized access. Organizations should monitor and audit access logs for unusual or unauthorized ExternalNotebookData requests. Until an official patch is released, consider deploying application-layer filters or proxies that sanitize or block path traversal sequences in notebook_path parameters. Review and harden file system permissions on servers running Dagster to limit the files accessible by the Dagster process. Additionally, organizations should prepare to update Dagster to a patched version as soon as it becomes available and test the update in a controlled environment before deployment. Conduct internal security assessments to identify any exposure of the gRPC server and remediate accordingly. Finally, educate DevOps and security teams about this vulnerability to ensure rapid response and awareness.