Apache bRPC: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2025-60021 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in Apache bRPC from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 1.15.0 as the first without the flaw, so updating Apache bRPC to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 55.2% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 0.96% of all scored CVEs.
Exploitation in the next 30 days is more likely than not, according to EPSS.
What to do
- Update Apache bRPC to 1.15.0 or a later version.
- Update Brpc to 1.15.0 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on lists.apache.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Apache bRPC | 1.11.0 up to, but not including, 1.15.0 | 1.15.0 |
| Apache | Brpc | 1.11.0 up to, but not including, 1.15.0 | 1.15.0 |
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
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- 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
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
Remote command injection vulnerability in heap profiler builtin service in Apache bRPC ((all versions < 1.15.0)) on all platforms allows attacker to inject remote command. Root Cause: The bRPC heap profiler built-in service (/pprof/heap) does not validate the user-provided extra_options parameter and executes it as a command-line argument. Attackers can execute remote commands using the extra_options parameter.. Affected scenarios: Use the built-in bRPC heap profiler service to perform jemalloc memory profiling. How to Fix: we provide two methods, you can choose one of them: 1. Upgrade bRPC to version 1.15.0. 2. Apply this patch ( https://github.com/apache/brpc/pull/3101 ) manually.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/01/16/4Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Apache bRPC
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
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