CVE-2025-57833 is a SQL injection vulnerability identified in the Django web framework, specifically affecting versions 4.2 before 4.2.24, 5.1 before 5.1.12, and 5.2 before 5.2.6. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands (CWE-89) within the FilteredRelation feature. This feature allows developers to create complex queries by annotating or aliasing QuerySets with dynamically constructed dictionaries expanded as **kwargs. When these dictionaries are crafted maliciously, they can inject SQL code into column aliases, which are not properly sanitized before being incorporated into the underlying SQL query. The vulnerability requires an attacker to have network access and low privileges within the application but does not require user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.1 (high severity), reflecting a network attack vector, high complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction, and a scope change. The impact primarily affects confidentiality, potentially exposing sensitive database information, with limited impact on integrity and no impact on availability. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk given Django's widespread use in web applications. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered via dictionary expansion in QuerySet.annotate() or QuerySet.alias(), which are common ORM features used to build dynamic queries. Developers relying on these features without proper input validation or patching are vulnerable. The issue was reserved on 2025-08-20 and published on 2025-09-03, with patches available in the specified Django versions.

For European organizations, this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data stored in backend databases, including personal data protected under GDPR. The confidentiality breach can result in regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust. Since Django is widely used in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and e-commerce across Europe, the risk is substantial. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could extract confidential information without needing elevated privileges or user interaction, increasing the attack surface. Although integrity impact is limited, attackers might leverage the information gained to plan further attacks. The absence of availability impact means systems remain operational, potentially allowing prolonged data exfiltration. Organizations that have not updated Django or audited their use of FilteredRelation with dynamic annotations are at heightened risk. The vulnerability also poses a threat to supply chain security, as compromised Django-based applications could propagate risks downstream.

European organizations should immediately upgrade Django to versions 4.2.24, 5.1.12, or 5.2.6 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Conduct a thorough code review focusing on the use of QuerySet.annotate() and QuerySet.alias() with dictionary expansions, especially involving FilteredRelation, to identify unsafe dynamic SQL constructions. Implement strict input validation and sanitization for any user-controllable data used in query annotations or aliases. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting Django ORM queries. Monitor application logs for anomalous query patterns or unexpected database errors that could indicate exploitation attempts. Enforce the principle of least privilege on database accounts used by Django applications to limit data exposure in case of compromise. Additionally, integrate runtime application self-protection (RASP) tools to detect and prevent injection attacks in real time. Finally, ensure incident response plans include procedures for SQL injection incidents and data breach notifications compliant with GDPR.