CVE-2025-9549 identifies a missing authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) in the Drupal Facets module, which is used to create faceted search and filtering functionality on Drupal websites. The vulnerability affects Facets versions from 0.0.0 before 2.0.10 and from 3.0.0 before 3.0.1. The core issue is that the module fails to properly enforce authorization checks on certain facet-related requests, allowing unauthorized users to perform forceful browsing. Forceful browsing refers to the ability of an attacker to access resources or functionality by manipulating URLs or parameters without proper permission checks. This can lead to unauthorized access to facet data or filters that should be restricted, potentially exposing sensitive information or allowing attackers to influence the user experience or data presentation. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability was reserved in August 2025 and published in October 2025. Drupal Facets is widely used in Drupal-based websites, which are common in government, education, e-commerce, and media sectors. The lack of authorization checks can be exploited without authentication, increasing the risk profile. The vulnerability primarily impacts confidentiality and integrity, as unauthorized access to facet data could reveal sensitive information or allow manipulation of filtering mechanisms. Availability impact is limited but cannot be fully ruled out if facet manipulation leads to denial of service scenarios. The absence of patches at the time of reporting necessitates immediate attention to update once fixes are released. Organizations should also review access control policies and monitor web traffic for unusual requests targeting facet endpoints.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-9549 can be significant, especially for those relying on Drupal Facets for content filtering and search on public-facing websites. Unauthorized access to facet data could lead to exposure of sensitive or proprietary information, undermining confidentiality. In sectors such as government, healthcare, and finance, where Drupal is used for public information portals or internal content management, this could result in data leaks or reputational damage. E-commerce platforms using facets for product filtering might face manipulation of user experience or unauthorized data exposure, potentially affecting customer trust and sales. The integrity of displayed data could be compromised if attackers influence facet filters, leading to misinformation or skewed search results. While direct availability impact is less likely, exploitation could be a vector for further attacks or reconnaissance. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation without authentication increases risk, making it attractive for opportunistic attackers. European organizations must consider compliance implications under GDPR if personal or sensitive data is exposed. The threat also raises concerns for critical infrastructure websites that use Drupal, where unauthorized access could have broader operational impacts.

1. Monitor Drupal security advisories closely and apply patches for Facets module versions 2.0.10 and 3.0.1 or later as soon as they become available. 2. Until patches are released, implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting facet-related endpoints or unusual URL parameter manipulations. 3. Conduct a thorough audit of access control configurations on Drupal sites to ensure that facet data and functionality are properly restricted to authorized users only. 4. Employ strict input validation and URL parameter filtering to reduce the risk of forceful browsing attempts. 5. Enable detailed logging and monitoring of web server and Drupal application logs to identify anomalous access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Educate development and security teams about the risks of missing authorization and enforce secure coding practices for custom Drupal modules or extensions. 7. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls to limit the impact of unauthorized access. 8. Review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving unauthorized access via forceful browsing vulnerabilities. 9. Engage with Drupal community forums and security mailing lists to stay informed about emerging threats and mitigation strategies related to this vulnerability.