CVE-2025-54424 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting 1Panel, a web interface and MCP Server used to manage websites, files, containers, databases, and large language models (LLMs) on Linux servers. The vulnerability exists in versions 2.0.5 and earlier due to incomplete certificate verification in the HTTPS communication between the Core and Agent endpoints. This improper validation allows an attacker to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access to the management interface. Given that 1Panel exposes numerous command execution and high-privilege interfaces, this unauthorized access can be leveraged to perform Remote Code Execution (RCE) on the underlying Linux server. The root cause is classified under CWE-77, indicating improper neutralization of special elements used in commands, i.e., command injection. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1, reflecting its network attack vector, no required privileges or user interaction, and its impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The issue was addressed in version 2.0.6 of 1Panel. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet. The vulnerability was initially reported in Simplified Chinese and translated via GitHub Copilot. The critical aspect is the incomplete certificate validation in the HTTPS protocol, which is a fundamental security flaw allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate agents or intercept communications, ultimately leading to full system compromise through RCE.

For European organizations using 1Panel to manage Linux-based infrastructure, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with high privileges, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruptions, or lateral movement within the network. The confidentiality of sensitive data managed by 1Panel, including website files, databases, and container configurations, could be severely impacted. Integrity and availability of critical services could also be compromised, affecting business continuity. Given the centralized management nature of 1Panel, a single exploited instance could serve as a pivot point for broader network infiltration. The lack of required authentication and user interaction for exploitation increases the risk of automated or remote attacks. European organizations in sectors with high reliance on Linux server management and containerization, such as finance, telecommunications, and cloud service providers, are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not diminish the urgency of patching due to the high severity and ease of exploitation.

European organizations should immediately upgrade all affected 1Panel instances to version 2.0.6 or later, where the certificate validation flaw is fixed. Until patching is possible, organizations should restrict network access to the Core and Agent endpoints using firewall rules or network segmentation to limit exposure to untrusted networks. Implement strict TLS certificate pinning and validation policies where feasible to detect and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. Conduct thorough audits of 1Panel configurations and logs to detect any unauthorized access attempts. Employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious command execution activities on servers running 1Panel. Additionally, enforce the principle of least privilege on accounts and services interacting with 1Panel to minimize potential damage from exploitation. Regularly review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving RCE vulnerabilities in management interfaces. Finally, maintain awareness of any emerging exploit reports or threat intelligence related to this CVE to adapt defenses accordingly.