CVE-2025-5731 is a vulnerability identified in Red Hat Data Grid version 8.5.4, specifically within the Infinispan Command Line Interface (CLI). The flaw arises from the way the CLI handles sensitive password data decoded from Base64-encoded Kubernetes secrets. When a command is not found or fails to execute, the CLI constructs an error message that inadvertently includes the plaintext password within the command string. This exposure occurs because the password is processed in plaintext and embedded directly into the error output. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or privileges to exploit, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N), meaning an attacker with local access can trigger the error message and potentially retrieve sensitive credentials. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality by exposing sensitive password information, but does not affect integrity or availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or fixes have been linked yet. The CVSS score of 6.2 classifies this as a medium severity issue, reflecting the moderate risk posed by local attackers who can access the CLI environment. The vulnerability is particularly relevant in Kubernetes environments where Red Hat Data Grid is deployed and secrets are managed via Base64 encoding, a common practice. Attackers gaining access to these error messages could leverage the exposed passwords to escalate privileges or move laterally within the infrastructure.

For European organizations, the exposure of sensitive passwords through error messages in Red Hat Data Grid can lead to significant confidentiality breaches. Organizations using Red Hat Data Grid 8.5.4 in Kubernetes clusters risk unauthorized disclosure of credentials that may grant access to critical data grid resources or other integrated systems. This can facilitate lateral movement, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration within enterprise environments. Given the widespread adoption of Red Hat products and Kubernetes orchestration in Europe, especially in sectors like finance, telecommunications, and government, this vulnerability could undermine trust and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. Although exploitation requires local access, insider threats or attackers who have compromised lower-privilege accounts could exploit this flaw to escalate their access. The absence of impact on integrity and availability limits the scope of damage, but confidentiality breaches alone can have severe reputational and regulatory consequences.

European organizations should immediately audit their use of Red Hat Data Grid 8.5.4, particularly in Kubernetes environments. Until a patch is released, administrators should restrict CLI access to trusted personnel only and monitor for unusual command errors that might indicate exploitation attempts. It is advisable to avoid using Base64-encoded secrets in a manner that exposes plaintext passwords in command strings. Organizations can implement enhanced logging and alerting on CLI error outputs to detect potential leaks. Additionally, consider employing Kubernetes secrets management best practices, such as using encrypted secrets or external secret management tools that do not rely on Base64 encoding. Network segmentation and strict access controls around nodes running Red Hat Data Grid can reduce the risk of local attackers exploiting this vulnerability. Once available, promptly apply vendor patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-5731. Finally, conduct internal security awareness training to highlight the risks of exposing sensitive information through error messages.