CVE-2025-9909 is a security vulnerability identified in the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform version 2.5 running on RHEL 8. The flaw resides in the gateway route creation component, specifically in how it handles URL paths with non-canonical forms, such as those prefixed with double slashes (//). This improper handling allows a privileged user, such as an administrator, to configure deceptive or honey-pot routes that can intercept and exfiltrate credentials from users interacting with the platform. By exploiting this, an attacker with administrative access can capture sensitive authentication data, enabling them to maintain persistent access or establish backdoors even after their original permissions are revoked. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require high privileges (administrative rights) to exploit. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.7, reflecting a medium severity level with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits are known at this time, the risk is significant due to the potential for credential theft and persistent compromise within critical automation infrastructure.

The impact of CVE-2025-9909 is substantial for organizations relying on Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 on RHEL 8. Credential theft can lead to unauthorized access to automation workflows, sensitive infrastructure, and potentially the broader enterprise network. Persistent access or backdoors created through this vulnerability can undermine trust in automation processes, disrupt operations, and facilitate further lateral movement or data exfiltration. Given Ansible's widespread use in automating IT infrastructure, this vulnerability could affect a broad range of industries including finance, healthcare, government, and technology sectors. The requirement for administrative privileges limits the attack surface but insider threats or compromised admin accounts increase risk. The absence of user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation once admin access is obtained. Overall, this vulnerability threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical automation environments.

To mitigate CVE-2025-9909, organizations should: 1) Immediately audit all gateway route configurations for non-canonical URL paths, especially those using double-slash prefixes, and remove or correct any suspicious or unnecessary routes. 2) Restrict administrative privileges strictly to trusted personnel and implement strong multi-factor authentication to reduce risk of compromised admin accounts. 3) Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual route creation activities or credential access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 4) Apply any patches or updates provided by Red Hat as soon as they become available to address this vulnerability. 5) Employ network segmentation to isolate automation platforms from sensitive systems and limit lateral movement. 6) Conduct regular security reviews and penetration testing focused on automation infrastructure to detect similar misconfigurations or vulnerabilities. 7) Educate administrators about the risks of social engineering and the importance of secure route management. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific exploitation vector and threat actor capabilities.