Apache Superset, an open-source data visualization and business intelligence platform maintained by the Apache Software Foundation, contains an improper authorization vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-55675. The flaw exists in the /explore endpoint, where the application fails to enforce proper access control checks on the datasource_id parameter. Authenticated users can exploit this by iterating through datasource IDs in the URL, allowing them to enumerate and confirm the existence and names of datasources they do not have permission to access. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-285 (Improper Authorization) and affects all versions of Apache Superset prior to 5.0.0. The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges beyond authentication and does not require user interaction, making it relatively easy to exploit for any authenticated user. The impact is primarily information disclosure, potentially exposing sensitive metadata about protected datasources, which could aid further attacks or data exfiltration. The Apache Software Foundation addressed this issue in version 5.0.0 by implementing proper authorization checks on the /explore endpoint. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the medium CVSS score of 5.3 reflects moderate risk due to the ease of exploitation and the sensitivity of the information exposed.

For European organizations, the improper authorization vulnerability in Apache Superset could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive metadata about datasources, which may include business-critical or personal data references. This exposure can facilitate further targeted attacks, such as data exfiltration or privilege escalation, by revealing the structure and existence of protected data assets. Organizations in sectors like finance, healthcare, government, and telecommunications that rely on Apache Superset for data analytics and visualization are particularly at risk. The breach of confidentiality could also lead to regulatory non-compliance under GDPR, resulting in legal and financial penalties. While the vulnerability does not directly allow data modification or system disruption, the information disclosure alone can have significant operational and reputational consequences. Since the vulnerability requires only authenticated access, insider threats or compromised user accounts could be leveraged to exploit this flaw. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks, especially as awareness of the vulnerability spreads.

European organizations should immediately upgrade Apache Superset to version 5.0.0 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Until the upgrade can be performed, implement strict access control policies to limit authenticated user permissions, ensuring users only have access to datasources necessary for their roles. Monitor and audit user activity on the /explore endpoint to detect unusual enumeration patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Employ network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to the Superset instance to trusted users and IP ranges. Additionally, enforce strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), to reduce the risk of compromised credentials being used to exploit this vulnerability. Regularly review and update datasource permissions and conduct security awareness training to inform users about the risks of unauthorized data access. Finally, maintain an up-to-date inventory of Superset deployments and ensure timely application of security patches.