Apollo Federation is a framework that composes multiple GraphQL APIs into a unified graph, enabling declarative API composition. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-64530 (CWE-288) affects Apollo Federation's composition logic in versions prior to 2.9.5, 2.10.4, 2.11.5, and 2.12.1. The issue arises because Apollo Federation incorrectly allows user-defined access control directives (such as @authenticated, @requiresScopes, or @policy) to be applied on interface types and fields. However, Apollo Router, which executes queries against the federated graph, does not enforce these access controls correctly when queries use inline fragments to target the implementing object types/fields instead of the interface types/fields. This discrepancy enables an attacker to bypass access controls by crafting queries that circumvent the intended restrictions, effectively exposing protected data or functionality. The vulnerability does not require any authentication or user interaction, making it remotely exploitable over the network. The fix implemented in the patched versions disallows user-defined access control directives on interface types and fields, preventing this bypass. For users unable to upgrade immediately, a workaround involves manually copying access control directives from interface types/fields to each implementing object type/field to ensure consistent enforcement. Organizations not using Apollo Router access control features or not applying access controls on interface types/fields are not affected. No known exploits are reported in the wild yet, but the high CVSS score of 7.5 reflects the significant confidentiality impact and ease of exploitation.

For European organizations leveraging Apollo Federation to compose GraphQL APIs, this vulnerability poses a serious risk of unauthorized data exposure. Attackers can bypass access controls and access sensitive information or restricted API fields without authentication, undermining confidentiality. This can lead to data breaches, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), and reputational damage. Since Apollo Federation is widely used in modern API architectures, especially in technology, finance, and e-commerce sectors prevalent in Europe, the impact can be broad. The vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability directly but compromises trust in API security. Organizations using Apollo Router with vulnerable versions and access control directives on interfaces are particularly vulnerable. The ease of remote exploitation without authentication increases the threat level, potentially enabling attackers to gather intelligence or escalate attacks within federated API environments.

European organizations should immediately assess their Apollo Federation versions and upgrade to patched releases 2.9.5, 2.10.4, 2.11.5, or 2.12.1 or later. If upgrading is not immediately feasible, they must manually replicate access control directives from interface types/fields to all implementing object types/fields to maintain enforcement consistency. Avoid removing access control directives from interfaces without applying them to implementing types, as this can worsen exposure. Review API schemas to identify use of @authenticated, @requiresScopes, or @policy directives on interfaces and fields. Implement strict monitoring and logging on Apollo Router queries to detect anomalous access patterns or inline fragment abuse. Limit network exposure of Apollo Router endpoints and enforce network-level access controls. Conduct thorough security testing of federated APIs to verify access control enforcement. Finally, educate development teams on secure schema design avoiding access control on interfaces until patched versions are deployed.