CVE-2025-60021 is a critical remote command injection vulnerability identified in the Apache bRPC project, specifically within the heap profiler built-in service accessible via the /pprof/heap endpoint. The root cause is the improper neutralization of special elements (CWE-77) in the extra_options parameter, which is accepted from user input and directly passed as a command-line argument without validation or sanitization. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary commands that the system executes with the privileges of the bRPC service process. The vulnerability affects all versions of Apache bRPC prior to 1.15.0 across all supported platforms. The heap profiler service is used for jemalloc memory profiling, and if enabled and exposed, it becomes an attack vector. Exploitation does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing the risk. Although no exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation make it a high-risk issue. The Apache Software Foundation has released version 1.15.0 to address this vulnerability and also provided a patch for manual application. Organizations using Apache bRPC should prioritize upgrading or patching to prevent potential remote code execution attacks that could lead to full system compromise, data breaches, or lateral movement within networks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-60021 can be severe. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical services. Organizations relying on Apache bRPC for internal or external services, especially those using jemalloc memory profiling, could face data breaches, service disruptions, or be used as pivot points for further attacks. Critical infrastructure sectors such as finance, telecommunications, healthcare, and government agencies could be particularly vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of their data and services. The lack of authentication and user interaction requirements means attackers can exploit exposed services remotely and stealthily. This vulnerability could also facilitate ransomware deployment or espionage activities targeting European entities. The overall operational risk and potential regulatory consequences under GDPR and other data protection laws make timely mitigation essential.

1. Upgrade Apache bRPC to version 1.15.0 immediately, as this version contains the fix for the command injection vulnerability. 2. If upgrading is not immediately feasible, apply the official patch available at https://github.com/apache/brpc/pull/3101 to remediate the issue manually. 3. Restrict network access to the /pprof/heap endpoint by implementing firewall rules, network segmentation, or access control lists to limit exposure only to trusted administrators or internal systems. 4. Disable the heap profiler built-in service if it is not required for operational purposes to eliminate the attack surface. 5. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual activity targeting the /pprof/heap endpoint or attempts to exploit command injection patterns. 6. Conduct vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on Apache bRPC instances to verify the absence of this vulnerability post-mitigation. 7. Educate system administrators and security teams about the risks associated with exposing diagnostic or profiling services publicly. 8. Implement application-layer filtering or web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block suspicious command injection attempts targeting this service.