CVE-2025-55125 is a vulnerability identified in Veeam Backup and Recovery version 13.0.0 that permits a Backup or Tape Operator to perform remote code execution (RCE) with root privileges by creating a malicious backup configuration file. The root cause is related to improper neutralization of special elements in command inputs (CWE-77), allowing command injection through crafted configuration files. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have Backup or Tape Operator privileges, which are lower than full administrative rights but still provide significant access to backup management functions. Exploitation does not require user interaction, increasing the risk of automated or stealthy attacks once access is obtained. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits are known at this time, the vulnerability poses a serious risk because it allows privilege escalation to root and full system compromise. The lack of available patches means organizations must rely on compensating controls until a fix is released. This vulnerability is particularly critical for environments where backup operators have access to configuration files and systems running version 13.0.0 of Veeam Backup and Recovery. The ability to execute arbitrary code as root could lead to data breaches, ransomware deployment, or destruction of backup data, severely impacting disaster recovery capabilities.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could have severe consequences, especially for those relying heavily on Veeam Backup and Recovery 13.0.0 for critical data protection and disaster recovery. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to steal sensitive data, disrupt backup operations, or deploy ransomware, thereby undermining business continuity. The confidentiality of backed-up data is at risk, as attackers could access or exfiltrate sensitive information. Integrity is compromised because attackers could alter backup configurations or data, leading to unreliable recovery points. Availability is threatened as attackers could delete or corrupt backups, preventing restoration after incidents. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure in Europe are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on robust backup solutions and the high value of their data. The requirement for Backup or Tape Operator privileges means insider threats or compromised operator accounts could be exploited. The absence of patches increases the window of exposure, necessitating immediate risk mitigation. The impact is amplified in environments with weak access controls or insufficient monitoring of backup systems.

1. Immediately review and restrict Backup and Tape Operator privileges to the minimum necessary, ensuring that only trusted personnel have such access. 2. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on backup configuration files and directories to detect unauthorized modifications. 3. Employ file integrity monitoring tools to alert on changes to backup configuration files. 4. Isolate backup management interfaces and systems from general user networks to reduce the risk of privilege escalation. 5. Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accounts with Backup or Tape Operator privileges to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 6. Regularly audit backup operator activities and access logs for suspicious behavior. 7. Prepare for rapid deployment of patches once Veeam releases a fix by maintaining an up-to-date inventory of affected systems. 8. Consider temporary compensating controls such as disabling or limiting backup configuration file editing where feasible. 9. Educate backup operators about the risks of malicious configuration files and enforce strict operational procedures. 10. Engage with Veeam support or security advisories for updates and recommended best practices.