CVE-2025-53066 is a vulnerability in the JAXP component of Oracle Java SE and Oracle GraalVM products, including Oracle Java SE versions 8u461, 11.0.28, 17.0.16, 21.0.8, and 25, as well as Oracle GraalVM for JDK and Enterprise Edition versions 17.0.16, 21.0.8, and 21.3.15. The flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker with network access to exploit the vulnerability via multiple protocols by interacting with APIs that utilize the JAXP component. This includes web services that process XML data or other inputs through these APIs. The vulnerability also affects Java deployments that run sandboxed Java Web Start applications or applets loading untrusted code, relying on the Java sandbox for security. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of critical data accessible through the affected Java runtime environments. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information) and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5, reflecting high confidentiality impact with no impact on integrity or availability. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity, requiring no privileges or user interaction, making it easily exploitable once a suitable attack vector is identified. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the broad usage of Oracle Java SE and GraalVM in enterprise environments makes this a significant risk. The vulnerability highlights the risks associated with processing untrusted data in Java applications and the limitations of sandboxing in certain deployment scenarios.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of unauthorized data exposure, especially for those relying on Oracle Java SE and GraalVM in critical infrastructure, financial services, government systems, and technology sectors. The ability for unauthenticated attackers to access sensitive data remotely without user interaction increases the threat level. Organizations running web services or applications that process XML or other data via the JAXP component are particularly vulnerable. Data confidentiality breaches could lead to regulatory non-compliance under GDPR, financial losses, reputational damage, and potential secondary attacks leveraging exposed information. The widespread adoption of Oracle Java SE and GraalVM across Europe means many organizations could be affected, especially those with legacy systems or delayed patching cycles. The vulnerability also impacts client-side Java deployments that run sandboxed applications, expanding the attack surface to end-user systems. Given the high confidentiality impact and ease of exploitation, the threat could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value European entities.

1. Monitor Oracle’s official channels for patches addressing CVE-2025-53066 and apply updates promptly across all affected Java SE and GraalVM versions. 2. Until patches are available, restrict network access to services exposing the vulnerable JAXP component, especially web services processing XML or untrusted data. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all data processed by Java APIs to reduce the risk of exploitation via crafted inputs. 4. Review and harden Java sandbox configurations, limiting the execution of untrusted code in Java Web Start applications and applets. 5. Employ network segmentation and firewall rules to isolate critical Java-based services from untrusted networks. 6. Conduct thorough inventory and risk assessment of all Java deployments to identify vulnerable versions and prioritize remediation. 7. Enhance monitoring and logging for unusual access patterns or data exfiltration attempts related to Java services. 8. Educate developers and system administrators about the risks associated with processing untrusted inputs in Java environments and encourage secure coding practices.