CVE-2025-62232 is a security vulnerability classified under CWE-532, which involves the insertion of sensitive information into log files. Specifically, in Apache APISIX version 1.0, when basic authentication is enabled, the system logs plaintext usernames and passwords into error logs if the logging level is set to INFO or DEBUG. These logs may then be forwarded to external log sinks or stored locally, increasing the risk of credential exposure. Attackers or unauthorized users with access to these logs can retrieve sensitive credentials, potentially leading to unauthorized access to protected resources. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of authentication data within the logging mechanism. The Apache Software Foundation has addressed this issue in version 3.14 of APISIX, as documented in the related GitHub pull request. Users are strongly advised to upgrade to this fixed version to prevent credential leakage. Although no active exploits have been reported, the nature of the vulnerability makes it a significant risk if logs are not properly secured or if log data is shared with third parties.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to confidentiality and integrity of authentication credentials. Organizations using Apache APISIX version 1.0 with basic authentication and verbose logging may inadvertently expose sensitive usernames and passwords through logs. This can lead to unauthorized access to internal APIs, services, or backend systems, potentially resulting in data breaches, service disruption, or lateral movement within networks. The impact is heightened in sectors with strict data protection regulations such as GDPR, where credential compromise could lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, organizations that forward logs to centralized log management or cloud-based log sinks may increase the attack surface if those systems are compromised. The vulnerability does not directly affect availability but can indirectly cause service outages if attackers leverage stolen credentials for further exploitation.

Organizations should immediately upgrade Apache APISIX to version 3.14 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Until upgrading, it is critical to avoid setting log levels to INFO or DEBUG in production environments where basic authentication is used. Review and restrict access to all log files and log sinks to authorized personnel only, implementing strict access controls and encryption at rest and in transit. Audit existing logs for any sensitive information exposure and securely purge any logs containing plaintext credentials. Implement monitoring and alerting for unusual access patterns to logs or authentication systems. Consider using alternative authentication mechanisms that do not expose credentials in logs. Finally, conduct regular security reviews of logging configurations and ensure that sensitive data is never logged in plaintext.