CVE-2025-53542 is a high-severity OS command injection vulnerability affecting the Kubernetes Headlamp project, specifically in versions prior to 0.31.1. Headlamp is a web-based UI for managing Kubernetes clusters, and this vulnerability resides in the macOS packaging workflow script named codeSign.js. The root cause is the unsafe use of Node.js's execSync() function, which executes shell commands synchronously. The script incorporates environment variables (${teamID}, ${entitlementsPath}, and ${config.app}) directly into shell commands without proper sanitization or argument separation. Since these variables can be influenced by an attacker, malicious input can lead to arbitrary command execution on the host system. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command) and CWE-88 (Argument Injection or Modification). The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8, indicating a high impact with a vector of local attack (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), and scope change (S:C). The impact includes full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability is critical due to the potential for privilege escalation and system takeover during the macOS packaging process. The issue has been fixed in version 0.31.1 of Headlamp, and users are advised to upgrade promptly.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for those using Kubernetes Headlamp for cluster management on macOS environments. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the packaging workflow, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or disruption of Kubernetes management operations. This could compromise the security of containerized applications and underlying infrastructure, affecting business continuity and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. Since the vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, the risk is higher in environments where developers or administrators run the packaging workflow on macOS machines that may be exposed to untrusted inputs or insider threats. Additionally, the scope change in the CVSS vector indicates that exploitation could affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component, amplifying the potential damage. European organizations relying on macOS for Kubernetes tooling should consider this a critical risk to their DevOps and CI/CD pipelines.

1. Immediate upgrade to Headlamp version 0.31.1 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Review and sanitize all environment variables and inputs used in scripting workflows, especially those invoking shell commands via Node.js execSync() or similar functions. 3. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on macOS machines used for Kubernetes packaging workflows to prevent unauthorized modification of environment variables. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous command executions during packaging processes. 5. Educate developers and DevOps personnel on the risks of command injection and safe coding practices, particularly when handling environment variables and shell commands. 6. Consider isolating packaging workflows in hardened, ephemeral environments or containers to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation. 7. Regularly audit and review CI/CD pipelines and tooling for similar injection risks, ensuring that no unsanitized inputs reach shell execution contexts.