CVE-2025-53862 is a security vulnerability identified in Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2, a widely used IT automation and orchestration tool. The flaw involves three API endpoints that are accessible without proper authentication and return verbose responses containing sensitive system information. This exposure can include configuration details, system metadata, or other operational data that an attacker could leverage to understand the target environment better and plan subsequent attacks. The vulnerability requires an attacker to have at least network-level access (AV:A - adjacent network) and low privileges (PR:L), but does not require user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability affects confidentiality (C:L) but does not impact integrity or availability. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 3.5, categorizing it as a low-severity issue. No patches or fixes have been officially released at the time of publication, and there are no known exploits in the wild. The vulnerability's root cause is insufficient access control on certain API endpoints, which should ideally restrict data exposure to authenticated and authorized users only. Given Ansible's role in automating critical IT infrastructure, this information leak could aid attackers in reconnaissance and facilitate more targeted attacks or privilege escalation attempts if combined with other vulnerabilities.

For European organizations, especially those relying on Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2 for managing IT infrastructure, this vulnerability poses a risk of sensitive information leakage. The exposed data could include system configurations, environment details, or operational metadata that attackers can use to map the network, identify potential weaknesses, or craft more effective attacks. Although the vulnerability itself does not allow direct system compromise or disruption, the information disclosure can serve as a stepping stone for more severe attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement, or targeted exploitation of other vulnerabilities. Sectors with high automation reliance, such as finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure, could face increased risk if attackers leverage this information to disrupt services or steal sensitive data. The low CVSS score reflects limited immediate impact, but the potential for chained attacks elevates the overall risk profile. The absence of known exploits reduces urgency but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often develop exploits after public disclosure.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation measures: 1) Restrict network access to the affected API endpoints by using network segmentation, firewalls, or VPNs to limit exposure only to trusted users and systems. 2) Enforce strict authentication and authorization controls on all API endpoints, ensuring that sensitive information is only accessible to properly authenticated and authorized users. 3) Monitor API access logs for unusual or unauthorized requests that could indicate reconnaissance or exploitation attempts. 4) Apply the principle of least privilege to all users and services interacting with the Ansible Automation Platform to minimize potential damage from compromised accounts. 5) Stay informed about Red Hat’s security advisories and promptly apply patches or updates once they become available. 6) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration tests focusing on API security and information disclosure risks. 7) Consider deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or API gateways that can detect and block suspicious API traffic patterns. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, monitoring, and network-level protections tailored to the nature of this vulnerability.