CVE-2025-56157 identifies a security vulnerability in Dify, a software product that, up to version 1.5.1, includes default PostgreSQL credentials embedded in its docker-compose.yaml file within the source code. This file specifies the username and password for the PostgreSQL database, which is used as the backend for Dify. The presence of default credentials in publicly accessible or shared source code repositories or deployment packages can allow attackers to connect directly to the database without authentication barriers. This vulnerability arises from insecure default configuration and poor secret management practices. An attacker who obtains access to the docker-compose.yaml file can leverage these credentials to connect to the PostgreSQL database, potentially extracting sensitive data, modifying records, or disrupting service availability. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the risk remains significant due to the ease of exploitation once the credentials are obtained. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require access to deployment files or source code repositories, which may be exposed through misconfigured version control systems, container registries, or insider threats. The lack of patch links suggests that remediation requires manual configuration changes by users or administrators. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure secret management, especially in containerized environments where configuration files may be exposed or shared inadvertently.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial. Unauthorized access to the PostgreSQL database can lead to data breaches involving sensitive or personal data, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. Integrity of data can be compromised, affecting business operations and decision-making. Availability may also be impacted if attackers modify or delete critical data. Organizations using Dify or similar containerized applications with embedded default credentials are at risk of lateral movement within their networks if attackers leverage these credentials to escalate privileges. The exposure of default credentials can also damage organizational reputation and lead to regulatory fines. Given the widespread use of PostgreSQL and container orchestration in Europe, particularly in countries with advanced IT infrastructure and cloud adoption, the threat is relevant to a broad range of sectors including finance, healthcare, and government services.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should immediately audit their Dify deployments and any containerized applications for the presence of default credentials in configuration files such as docker-compose.yaml. Replace default PostgreSQL usernames and passwords with strong, unique credentials. Implement secret management solutions such as HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, or Kubernetes Secrets to securely store and inject credentials at runtime rather than hardcoding them in source files. Restrict access to source code repositories and container registries to authorized personnel only, and enable monitoring and alerting for unusual access patterns. Regularly scan codebases and deployment artifacts for exposed secrets using automated tools like GitGuardian or TruffleHog. Additionally, apply network segmentation and database access controls to limit the impact of credential compromise. Educate developers and DevOps teams on secure configuration management and the risks of embedding secrets in code. Finally, keep Dify and related software up to date and monitor vendor advisories for patches or updates addressing this issue.