CVE-2025-57521 affects Bambu Studio versions 2.1.1.52 and earlier. The vulnerability is due to the application loading a network plugin during startup without validating its digital signature or verifying its authenticity. This insecure loading mechanism allows a local attacker to place a malicious plugin or component in a location controlled by the attacker, such as the %APPDATA% directory on Windows systems. When the application starts, it loads this malicious component, resulting in arbitrary code execution within the context of the logged-in user. Because the main Bambu Studio executable is digitally signed, the malicious component may inherit this trust, potentially bypassing security solutions that rely on the signature of parent processes for detection. The vulnerability falls under CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command), indicating that the application fails to properly validate or sanitize inputs related to plugin loading. Exploitation requires local access and privileges but no user interaction, making it a risk primarily for environments where multiple users have access to the same system or where attackers have gained limited local foothold. The CVSS v3.1 score of 6.1 reflects a medium severity with low confidentiality impact but high integrity impact, as attackers can execute arbitrary code but cannot escalate privileges beyond the current user. No patches or fixes have been published yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk in environments where multiple users share workstations or where attackers may gain limited local access, such as through phishing or physical access. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to data manipulation, installation of persistent malware, or lateral movement within the network. Although the vulnerability does not allow privilege escalation beyond the current user, it can be leveraged as a foothold for further attacks. The fact that the malicious component can inherit the digital signature trust of the main application complicates detection by endpoint security solutions that rely on signature-based trust models. This can lead to delayed detection and response. European organizations in sectors with high use of Bambu Studio, such as design, engineering, or media production, may face operational disruptions and intellectual property risks. The vulnerability also raises compliance concerns under GDPR if exploited to access or alter personal data.

Organizations should immediately audit their environments for the presence of Bambu Studio version 2.1.1.52 or earlier and restrict local user permissions to prevent unauthorized file placement in directories like %APPDATA%. Implement application whitelisting and restrict write permissions on plugin directories to trusted administrators only. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that do not solely rely on digital signatures but also monitor anomalous process behaviors and plugin loading activities. Network segmentation and limiting local user privileges can reduce the attack surface. Until a patch is released, consider disabling or restricting the use of network plugins within Bambu Studio if possible. Educate users about the risks of local file manipulation and enforce strict physical and logical access controls on shared workstations. Monitor logs for unusual application startup behaviors or unexpected plugin loads. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups to recover from potential compromise.