CVE-2025-62228 is a SQL injection vulnerability classified under CWE-89, found in Apache Flink CDC versions up to 3.4.0. Apache Flink CDC is a component of the Apache Flink ecosystem designed for Change Data Capture (CDC), enabling real-time data streaming and processing from databases. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands, specifically when handling crafted identifiers such as database or table names. This flaw allows an authenticated database user to inject malicious SQL code by manipulating these identifiers, potentially leading to unauthorized data retrieval, modification, or deletion. The attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity and does not require user interaction, but it does require privileges of a logged-in database user, limiting the scope of exploitation. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data processed by Flink CDC. The Apache Software Foundation has addressed this issue in version 3.5.0 of Flink CDC, recommending immediate upgrades. No public exploits have been reported to date, but the medium CVSS score of 5.1 reflects a moderate risk that warrants attention, especially in environments where Flink CDC is deployed in critical data pipelines.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-62228 can be significant, particularly for those relying on Apache Flink CDC for real-time data processing and analytics. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access or manipulation of sensitive data streams, undermining data integrity and confidentiality. This is especially critical for sectors such as finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, and public services, where real-time data accuracy is paramount. Disruption or data corruption could affect operational continuity, decision-making, and regulatory compliance, including GDPR obligations related to data protection. Since exploitation requires authenticated access, insider threats or compromised credentials pose the greatest risk. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as a foothold for lateral movement within networks, escalating the overall security risk. Organizations with complex data architectures integrating Flink CDC should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation to avoid potential data breaches or service disruptions.

Beyond the recommended upgrade to Apache Flink CDC version 3.5.0, European organizations should implement several targeted mitigations: 1) Enforce strict access controls and least privilege principles on database users interacting with Flink CDC to minimize the risk of credential misuse. 2) Conduct regular audits of database user activities and monitor for anomalous queries or identifier manipulations indicative of injection attempts. 3) Employ input validation and sanitization at the application layer where possible, especially for database and table names used in CDC configurations. 4) Integrate Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or SQL injection detection tools tailored to monitor CDC-related traffic. 5) Harden authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) for database access, to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 6) Maintain up-to-date backups of critical data streams to enable recovery in case of data integrity violations. 7) Educate developers and administrators about secure coding and configuration practices related to CDC pipelines. These measures, combined with prompt patching, will significantly reduce the risk posed by this vulnerability.