CVE-2025-56157 identifies a critical security vulnerability in the Dify software up to version 1.5.1, where default PostgreSQL credentials (username and password) are embedded in the docker-compose.yaml file distributed with the source code. This represents a classic CWE-798 weakness involving the use of hardcoded or default credentials, which can be trivially exploited if the database service is accessible. The PostgreSQL instance listens on TCP port 5432, and if exposed to an attacker, it allows unauthenticated remote access to the database, leading to complete compromise of data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The supplier notes that from version 1.0.1 onward, the Docker configuration does not expose PostgreSQL by default, reducing the attack surface. However, misconfigurations, custom deployments, or network exposure could still allow attackers to connect. The CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 reflects the vulnerability's ease of exploitation (network vector, no privileges or user interaction needed) and its severe impact. No patches or mitigations are explicitly linked, so users must rely on configuration changes and credential management. This vulnerability is especially critical in containerized environments where default configurations are often deployed without modification, increasing risk.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-56157 can be severe, especially for those using Dify in containerized or cloud-native environments. Unauthorized access to the PostgreSQL database could lead to data breaches involving sensitive or regulated information, violating GDPR and other data protection laws. Attackers could manipulate or delete data, disrupt services, or use the compromised database as a foothold for lateral movement within the network. The critical severity and network-exploitable nature mean that even perimeter defenses may not prevent exploitation if PostgreSQL is exposed. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which often use container orchestration and microservices architectures, face heightened risk. Additionally, the lack of authentication requirement and user interaction makes automated exploitation feasible, potentially leading to widespread compromise if default credentials are not changed and network exposure is not controlled.

European organizations should immediately audit all Dify deployments to verify whether PostgreSQL is exposed on TCP port 5432 or other network interfaces. They must ensure that the docker-compose.yaml file is not used with default credentials in production environments. Changing the default PostgreSQL username and password to strong, unique credentials is essential. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be applied to restrict access to the database service only to trusted hosts. Container orchestration platforms should enforce secrets management best practices, avoiding embedding credentials in source code or configuration files. Monitoring and logging database access attempts can help detect exploitation attempts early. Organizations should also track updates from the Dify supplier for any official patches or configuration guidance. Finally, penetration testing and vulnerability scanning should be conducted regularly to identify any residual exposure.