CVE-2026-25402 identifies a Missing Authorization vulnerability in the echoplugins Knowledge Base for Documentation, FAQs with AI Assistance product, specifically affecting versions up to and including 16.011.0. The vulnerability arises from incorrectly configured access control security levels, which means that the system fails to properly verify whether a user has the necessary permissions before granting access to certain resources or functionalities. This can allow an attacker to bypass authorization checks and gain unauthorized access to sensitive documentation, FAQs, or administrative features within the knowledge base platform. The product is designed to assist organizations by providing AI-enhanced documentation and FAQ management, which often contains proprietary or sensitive operational information. The lack of proper authorization checks can lead to exposure of confidential data or allow unauthorized modifications, impacting the integrity and confidentiality of the system. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and could be targeted by attackers once exploit code becomes available. The absence of a CVSS score complicates risk prioritization, but the nature of the vulnerability suggests a significant security risk. The vulnerability was reserved and published in early 2026, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No patches or fixes are currently linked, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps by affected organizations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-25402 can be substantial, especially for those relying on the echoplugins Knowledge Base product for managing internal documentation and FAQs that may include sensitive operational, technical, or strategic information. Unauthorized access could lead to data leakage, exposing intellectual property or internal processes to competitors or malicious actors. This could also facilitate further attacks if attackers gain insights into system configurations or vulnerabilities. The integrity of documentation could be compromised, leading to misinformation or disruption of business processes. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, which often maintain detailed knowledge bases, are particularly vulnerable. The lack of authentication barriers in some cases could allow external attackers or insider threats to exploit the vulnerability without needing valid credentials. This could result in regulatory compliance issues under GDPR if personal or sensitive data is exposed. Additionally, reputational damage and operational disruptions could arise from exploitation of this vulnerability.

European organizations should immediately audit their echoplugins Knowledge Base deployments to verify and enforce proper access control configurations. This includes reviewing role-based access controls (RBAC) and ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive documentation and administrative functions. Until an official patch is released, organizations should consider implementing network-level restrictions such as IP whitelisting or VPN access to limit exposure. Monitoring and logging access attempts to the knowledge base should be enhanced to detect any unauthorized access patterns. If possible, disable or restrict AI assistance features that may increase the attack surface until the vulnerability is resolved. Engage with the vendor for updates and apply patches promptly once available. Additionally, conduct user training to raise awareness about the risks of unauthorized access and ensure that credentials are managed securely. For high-risk environments, consider isolating the knowledge base system from public-facing networks to reduce attack vectors.