TeleMessage TM SGNL Hidden Functionality
CVE-2025-47729 is a medium-severity hidden functionality vulnerability in archiving backend from TeleMessage, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 4.9 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. Affected archiving backend versions: 2025-05-05 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on May 12, 2025, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Check which version of archiving backend you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- CISA's required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| TeleMessage | archiving backend | 2025-05-05 and earlier | Not stated |
| Telemessage | Text Message Archiver | 2025-05-05 and earlier | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 1.9 | Low | CNA (mitre.org) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 4.9 | Medium | NVD |
Official description
The TeleMessage archiving backend through 2025-05-05 holds cleartext copies of messages from TM SGNL (aka Archive Signal) app users, which is different functionality than described in the TeleMessage "End-to-End encryption from the mobile phone through to the corporate archive" documentation, as exploited in the wild in May 2025.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Hidden Functionality
The product contains functionality that is not documented, not part of the specification, and not accessible through an interface or command sequence that is obvious to the product's users or administrators.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Always verify the integrity of the product that is being installed.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2025-47729US Government Resource
Other references
- arstechnica.com/security/2025/05/signal-clone-used-by-trump-official-stops-operations-after-report-it-was-hac…Press/Media Coverage
- news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43909220Press/Media Coverage
- theregister.com/2025/05/05/telemessage_investigating/Press/Media Coverage
Other vulnerabilities in archiving backend
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Hidden Functionality vulnerabilities
- 7.7 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.0 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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