FootPrints: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
CVE-2025-71260 is a high-severity deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in FootPrints from BMC Software, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected FootPrints versions: 20.20.02 through 20.24.01.001. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 34.1% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 1.57% of all scored CVEs.
EPSS places it among the vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited soon.
What to do
- Check which version of FootPrints you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMC Software | FootPrints | 20.20.02 through 20.24.01.001 | 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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- 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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.7 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
BMC FootPrints ITSM versions 20.20.02 through 20.24.01.001 contain a deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in the ASP.NET servlet's VIEWSTATE handling that allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code. Attackers can supply crafted serialized objects to the VIEWSTATE parameter to achieve remote code execution and fully compromise the application. The following hotfixes remediate the vulnerability: 20.20.02, 20.20.03.002, 20.21.01.001, 20.21.02.002, 20.22.01, 20.22.01.001, 20.23.01, 20.23.01.002, and 20.24.01.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
The product deserializes untrusted data without sufficiently ensuring that the resulting data will be valid.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If available, use the signing/sealing features of the programming language to assure that deserialized data has not been tainted. For example, a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC) could be used to ensure that data has not been modified.
- When deserializing data, populate a new object rather than just deserializing. The result is that the data flows through safe input validation and that the functions are safe.
- Explicitly define a final object() to prevent deserialization.
More Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities (CWE-502)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
- vulncheck.com/advisories/bmc-footprints-itsm-viewstate-deserialization-rceThird Party Advisory
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- labs.watchtowr.com/thanks-itsms-threat-actors-have-never-been-so-organized-bmc-footprints-pre-auth-remote-cod…Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in FootPrints
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
Recent Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
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