CVE-2025-66169 is a Cypher Injection vulnerability identified in the Apache Camel camel-neo4j component, which facilitates integration between Apache Camel and Neo4j graph databases. The vulnerability exists in Apache Camel versions 4.10.0 up to but not including 4.10.8, 4.14.0 up to but not including 4.14.3, and 4.15.0 up to but not including 4.17.0. Cypher Injection is analogous to SQL Injection but targets the Cypher query language used by Neo4j. An attacker can craft malicious input that is improperly sanitized or validated before being embedded into Cypher queries, enabling unauthorized modification of database queries. This can lead to integrity violations such as unauthorized data manipulation or corruption. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.3, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or availability but compromises integrity. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the risk remains significant for systems relying on vulnerable versions. The Apache Software Foundation recommends upgrading to fixed versions 4.10.8, 4.14.3, or 4.17.0 to remediate the issue. The CWE-89 classification confirms this is an injection flaw. Organizations using Apache Camel with Neo4j should also review their input validation and query construction practices to prevent injection risks.

For European organizations, the Cypher Injection vulnerability poses a risk primarily to data integrity within Neo4j graph databases integrated via Apache Camel. Attackers exploiting this flaw could manipulate or corrupt critical business data, potentially disrupting analytics, decision-making, or operational processes dependent on graph data. Since the vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, it could be exploited remotely if the affected services are exposed or accessible internally. This risk is heightened in sectors relying heavily on graph databases for complex relationship mapping, such as finance, telecommunications, and public sector agencies. While confidentiality and availability are not directly impacted, integrity breaches can lead to compliance violations under GDPR if data accuracy is compromised. Additionally, undetected data manipulation could undermine trust in automated systems and analytics. The medium severity rating suggests moderate urgency but should not be underestimated given the potential for stealthy data tampering. Organizations with large-scale Neo4j deployments integrated with Apache Camel are particularly at risk.

1. Upgrade Apache Camel to the patched versions: 4.10.8 for 4.10.x LTS, 4.14.3 for 4.14.x LTS, or 4.17.0 for 4.15.x and later branches. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all data inputs that are incorporated into Cypher queries to prevent injection of malicious payloads. 3. Employ parameterized queries or prepared statements where possible to separate code from data in Cypher query construction. 4. Monitor Neo4j query logs and Apache Camel integration logs for unusual or unexpected query patterns indicative of injection attempts. 5. Restrict network access to Neo4j and Apache Camel endpoints to trusted internal networks and enforce strong access controls. 6. Conduct security code reviews and penetration testing focused on injection vulnerabilities in the integration layer. 7. Educate developers and DevOps teams about secure coding practices specific to Cypher and graph database interactions. 8. Maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any detected exploitation attempts.