CVE-2025-6713: MongoDB $mergeCursors Stage Vulnerability Allows Unauthorized Data Access
MongoDB users, beware! A new vulnerability, CVE-2025-6713, has been discovered in MongoDB Server that could allow unauthorized users to access data they shouldn't. This issue stems from improper handling of the $mergeCursors stage in aggregation pipelines.
Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-6713
- Description: An unauthorized user may leverage a specially crafted aggregation pipeline to access data without proper authorization due to improper handling of the $mergeCursors stage in MongoDB Server. This may lead to access to data without further authorisation.
- CVSS Score: 7.7 HIGH
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N
- CVSS Explanation:
- AV:N (Network): The vulnerability is exploitable over a network.
- AC:L (Low): Exploitation requires little skill and can be accomplished easily.
- PR:L (Low): An attacker needs low-level privileges to exploit the vulnerability.
- UI:N (None): No user interaction is required to trigger the vulnerability.
- S:C (Changed): The vulnerability can affect components beyond the security scope of the vulnerable component.
- C:H (High): Successful exploitation can lead to complete disclosure of sensitive data.
- I:N (None): There is no impact on data integrity.
- A:N (None): There is no impact on service availability.
- Exploit Requirements: An attacker needs a valid user account, even with low privileges, and the ability to craft and execute aggregation pipelines.
- Affected Products:
- MongoDB Server v8.0 versions prior to 8.0.7
- MongoDB Server v7.0 versions prior to 7.0.20
- MongoDB Server v6.0 versions prior to 6.0.22
- CWE: CWE-285 (Improper Authorization)
- CWE Explanation: This vulnerability occurs because the system doesn't properly verify that the user has the correct permissions to access the requested data. An attacker can bypass these checks and gain unauthorized access.
Timeline of Events
- 2025-07-07: CVE-2025-6713 Published
Exploitability & Real-World Risk
The risk posed by this vulnerability is significant, especially if your MongoDB database contains sensitive information. Even users with limited privileges within your MongoDB deployment can potentially exploit this flaw to access data outside of their intended scope. Given the prevalence of MongoDB in modern applications, this is a serious concern.
Recommendations
- Upgrade MongoDB Server: Upgrade to the latest versions of MongoDB Server: 8.0.7+, 7.0.20+, or 6.0.22+ to patch this vulnerability.
- Review User Permissions: Carefully review and restrict user permissions to the minimum necessary for their roles.
- Monitor Aggregation Pipelines: Implement monitoring and auditing of aggregation pipelines to detect suspicious activity.
Technical Insight
The vulnerability lies in how MongoDB handles the $mergeCursors stage within aggregation pipelines. This stage is designed to efficiently combine results from multiple cursors, but a flaw in its authorization logic allows an attacker to bypass access controls under specific conditions.
Credit to Researcher(s)
The vulnerability was reported to MongoDB by an internal security researcher.
References
Tags
#MongoDB #CVE-2025-6713 #DataAccess #SecurityVulnerability #mergeCursors #UnauthorizedAccess
Summary: A vulnerability (CVE-2025-6713) in MongoDB Server's $mergeCursors stage allows unauthorized users with low privileges to potentially access sensitive data. Upgrade to patched versions (8.0.7+, 7.0.20+, or 6.0.22+) and review user permissions to mitigate this risk.
CVE ID: CVE-2025-6713
Risk Analysis: Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-6713 can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the MongoDB database. This could result in data breaches, compliance violations, reputational damage, and financial losses for affected organizations.
Recommendation: Upgrade MongoDB Server to versions 8.0.7, 7.0.20, or 6.0.22 or later. Review and restrict user permissions to follow the principle of least privilege. Implement monitoring and auditing of aggregation pipelines to detect suspicious activity.
Timeline
- 2025-07-07: CVE-2025-6713 Published