CVE-2025-9954 is a security vulnerability classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) affecting the Acquia Digital Asset Management (DAM) system integrated with Drupal. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 1.1.5, allowing unauthorized users to bypass authorization controls through forceful browsing techniques. Forceful browsing involves manipulating URLs or parameters to access resources or functions that should be restricted, effectively bypassing intended access controls. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure or modification of sensitive digital assets managed within Acquia DAM. The vulnerability arises because the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user has the necessary permissions to access certain resources. Although no public exploits or active attacks have been reported, the flaw represents a significant risk due to the potential exposure of confidential or proprietary digital content. Acquia DAM is widely used by organizations for managing media and digital assets, often containing sensitive or business-critical information. The lack of a CVSS score indicates the vulnerability is newly disclosed, but the technical details and CWE classification suggest a serious authorization bypass issue. The vulnerability was reserved in early September 2025 and published in late October 2025, indicating a recent discovery. The absence of a patch link suggests that a fix may be pending or recently released in version 1.1.5 or later. Organizations running affected versions should consider this a priority for remediation to prevent unauthorized access.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-9954 can be substantial, especially for those relying on Acquia DAM for managing sensitive digital assets such as marketing materials, intellectual property, or confidential media files. Unauthorized access through forceful browsing can lead to data breaches, exposing confidential information to unauthorized parties. This compromises confidentiality and potentially integrity if unauthorized users modify assets. The availability impact is likely limited but could arise if attackers manipulate or delete assets. Organizations in sectors such as media, advertising, government, and education that use Drupal and Acquia DAM are at higher risk. The breach of digital asset repositories could damage reputations, lead to regulatory penalties under GDPR for data exposure, and disrupt business operations. Since the vulnerability does not require authentication, attackers can exploit it remotely without credentials, increasing the attack surface. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits following public disclosure. European entities with complex digital asset workflows and integrations with Drupal ecosystems should consider this vulnerability a critical security concern.

To mitigate CVE-2025-9954, organizations should immediately upgrade Acquia DAM to version 1.1.5 or later once the patch is available, as this version addresses the missing authorization checks. Until patching is possible, implement strict network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Acquia DAM interfaces to trusted users and networks only. Conduct thorough access reviews and enforce the principle of least privilege for all users with DAM access. Enable detailed logging and monitoring of access attempts to detect forceful browsing or unusual URL manipulation patterns. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to block suspicious requests targeting unauthorized resource paths. Regularly audit digital asset repositories for unauthorized changes or access. Educate administrators and users about the risks of forceful browsing and the importance of promptly applying security updates. Coordinate with Drupal and Acquia support channels for timely information on patches and best practices. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication and session management enhancements to reduce risk from compromised credentials, although this vulnerability does not require authentication to exploit.