CVE-2026-25747 is a critical deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability (CWE-502) in the Apache Camel LevelDB component. Apache Camel uses the LevelDB aggregation repository to store state data, and the DefaultLevelDBSerializer class deserializes this data using Java's ObjectInputStream without any ObjectInputFilter or class-loading restrictions. This lack of filtering allows an attacker who can write to the LevelDB database files to inject crafted serialized Java objects. When these objects are deserialized during normal repository operations, arbitrary code execution can occur within the context of the running Camel application. This vulnerability affects multiple Apache Camel versions: from 4.10.0 up to but not including 4.10.8, from 4.14.0 up to but not including 4.14.5, and from 4.15.0 up to but not including 4.18.0. The root cause is the unsafe deserialization pattern without validation or filtering, a common source of remote code execution vulnerabilities in Java applications. The Apache Software Foundation has released patches in versions 4.18.0, 4.10.9 (LTS), and 4.14.5 (LTS) that address this by presumably adding proper filtering or changing the deserialization approach. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability is severe due to the potential for arbitrary code execution if an attacker can write to the LevelDB files. Exploitation requires write access to the underlying database files, which may be possible in multi-tenant environments, compromised hosts, or through other vulnerabilities that allow file write access. This vulnerability highlights the risks of unsafe Java deserialization and the importance of applying strict object input filtering or avoiding Java serialization for untrusted data.

The primary impact of CVE-2026-25747 is the potential for arbitrary code execution within the context of the Apache Camel application. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute malicious code, leading to full system compromise, data theft, service disruption, or lateral movement within the network. Organizations using Apache Camel with the vulnerable LevelDB component in critical integration or messaging workflows risk severe operational and security consequences. Since Apache Camel is widely used for enterprise integration patterns, this vulnerability could affect a broad range of industries including finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and government sectors. The requirement for write access to LevelDB files somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where attackers can gain file system access through other means. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in chained attacks, where initial access is gained via other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations, then used to escalate privileges or persist within the environment. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but the high severity and ease of exploitation once write access is obtained make timely patching critical.

1. Upgrade Apache Camel to the fixed versions: 4.18.0 for general users, 4.10.9 for 4.10.x LTS users, and 4.14.5 for 4.14.x LTS users to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Restrict file system permissions to prevent unauthorized write access to LevelDB database files, limiting the ability of attackers to inject malicious serialized objects. 3. Implement network segmentation and access controls to reduce the risk of attackers gaining access to hosts running vulnerable Apache Camel instances. 4. Monitor file integrity of LevelDB database files to detect unauthorized modifications or suspicious activity. 5. Employ runtime application self-protection (RASP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous deserialization behavior or code execution attempts. 6. Review and harden the security posture of systems hosting Apache Camel, including patching other vulnerabilities and enforcing least privilege principles. 7. Consider disabling or replacing the LevelDB aggregation repository if not strictly required or if safer serialization mechanisms are available. 8. Conduct security audits and penetration testing focusing on deserialization risks and file write permissions in the environment. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling write access to the LevelDB files and monitoring for unauthorized changes, which is critical given the exploitation vector.