CVE-2025-65278 is a security vulnerability identified in the GroceryMart application, specifically related to the users.json file in commit 21934e6 dated 2020-10-23. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to access this file, which contains plaintext usernames and passwords. This indicates a critical failure in access control mechanisms, where sensitive user credential data is exposed without any authentication barrier. The vulnerability does not require any user interaction or authentication, making it trivially exploitable by remote attackers who can reach the affected system. The exposure of plaintext credentials significantly compromises confidentiality and potentially integrity, as attackers can use these credentials to impersonate users or escalate privileges. Although no CVSS score has been assigned and no known exploits are reported, the impact of such a vulnerability is severe due to the direct leakage of sensitive authentication data. The lack of patch information suggests that remediation may not yet be available, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure storage practices, such as hashing and salting passwords, and enforcing strict access controls on sensitive files within applications.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-65278 can be substantial. Exposure of plaintext usernames and passwords can lead to unauthorized access to internal systems, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within networks. Retail organizations using GroceryMart or similar software could face customer data compromise, financial fraud, and reputational damage. The breach of user credentials can also facilitate phishing attacks and credential stuffing campaigns targeting European users. Given the GDPR regulations, organizations may face legal and financial penalties if they fail to protect personal data adequately. The vulnerability could disrupt business operations if attackers leverage stolen credentials to manipulate or disable retail management systems. Additionally, the exposure of credentials may affect supply chain partners if shared credentials are used across systems. Overall, the confidentiality and integrity of user data are at high risk, with potential cascading effects on availability if attackers disrupt services.

1. Immediately restrict access to the users.json file by implementing strict file system permissions and ensuring it is not publicly accessible. 2. Encrypt or hash all stored passwords using strong cryptographic algorithms (e.g., bcrypt, Argon2) instead of storing them in plaintext. 3. Implement robust authentication and authorization controls to prevent unauthenticated access to sensitive files and data endpoints. 4. Conduct a thorough audit of the GroceryMart application and related systems to identify and remediate other potential insecure data exposures. 5. Monitor access logs for any unauthorized attempts to access sensitive files and respond promptly to suspicious activities. 6. Educate development teams on secure coding practices, emphasizing the importance of protecting sensitive data. 7. If possible, update to a patched version of GroceryMart once available or apply custom patches to fix the vulnerability. 8. Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for user accounts to reduce the risk of compromised credentials being misused. 9. Regularly review and update data protection policies to comply with GDPR and other relevant regulations. 10. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical systems and limit the impact of credential exposure.