CVE-2025-57788 is a security vulnerability identified in Commvault's CommCell software versions 11.32.0 and 11.36.0. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-259, which pertains to the use of hard-coded passwords. Specifically, this flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute API calls without providing valid user credentials. This means that an attacker can interact with the CommCell system programmatically, potentially accessing or manipulating data and system functions without authentication. The vulnerability arises from a known login mechanism that embeds a hard-coded password, bypassing normal authentication controls. Although Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is implemented within CommCell to restrict user permissions and limit exposure, it does not fully mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability. The CVSS 4.0 base score of 6.9 (medium severity) reflects that the attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and no authentication (AT:N), making exploitation relatively straightforward. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is low to medium, with no direct impact on availability. No patches have been linked yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date (August 20, 2025). However, the presence of a hard-coded password in a critical backup and data management platform like CommCell poses a significant risk if exploited, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive backup data and administrative functions.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-57788 can be substantial, especially for enterprises relying on Commvault CommCell for backup and data management. Unauthorized API access could lead to exposure or manipulation of backup data, undermining data integrity and confidentiality. This could result in data breaches, compliance violations (e.g., GDPR), and disruption of backup and recovery operations. Attackers might also leverage this access to pivot within the network, escalating privileges or deploying ransomware. Given that backups are critical for business continuity, any compromise could severely affect operational resilience. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is exploitable without authentication, the damage scope might be limited by RBAC controls; however, these controls are not foolproof. European organizations with stringent data protection requirements and those in regulated sectors (finance, healthcare, government) face heightened risks due to potential data exposure and regulatory penalties.

To mitigate CVE-2025-57788 effectively, European organizations should: 1) Immediately audit all CommCell instances to identify affected versions (11.32.0 and 11.36.0) and prioritize their upgrade once patches become available. 2) Implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to CommCell management interfaces and APIs strictly to trusted administrative networks and personnel. 3) Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrative access where possible, even if the vulnerability bypasses authentication, to add an additional security layer. 4) Monitor CommCell API usage logs for anomalous or unauthorized activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Temporarily disable or restrict API access if feasible until a patch is released. 6) Engage with Commvault support to obtain guidance on workarounds or interim fixes. 7) Incorporate vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on backup infrastructure to detect similar issues proactively. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control hardening, monitoring, and operational controls tailored to the backup environment.