CVE-2025-61929
CVE-2025-61929
Weakness (CWE)
CVSS Vector
v3.1- Attack Vector
- Network
- Attack Complexity
- Low
- Privileges Required
- None
- User Interaction
- Required
- Scope
- Changed
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
Description
Cherry Studio is a desktop client that supports for multiple LLM providers. Cherry Studio registers a custom protocol called `cherrystudio://`. When handling the MCP installation URL, it parses the base64-encoded configuration data and directly executes the command within it. In the files `src/main/services/ProtocolClient.ts` and `src/main/services/urlschema/mcp-install.ts`, when receiving a URL of the `cherrystudio://mcp` type, the `handleMcpProtocolUrl` function is called for processing. If an attacker crafts malicious content and posts it on a website or elsewhere (there are many exploitation methods, such as creating a malicious website with a button containing this malicious content), when the user clicks it, since the pop-up window contains normal content, the direct click is considered a scene action, and the malicious command is directly triggered, leading to the user being compromised. As of time of publication, no known patched versions exist.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2025-61929
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2025-61929 CVSS Score: 9.6
The vulnerability in Cherry Studio, a desktop client supporting multiple LLM providers, involves the unsafe handling of a custom protocol (cherrystudio://). Specifically, the handleMcpProtocolUrl function in src/main/services/ProtocolClient.ts and src/main/services/urlschema/mcp-install.ts directly executes commands embedded in base64-encoded configuration data without proper validation. This can lead to remote code execution (RCE) when a user interacts with a crafted URL.
Severity Evaluation:
- Critical: The CVSS score of 9.6 indicates a critical vulnerability due to the potential for remote code execution, which can result in full system compromise.
- Impact: High, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the victim's system.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Phishing: An attacker can craft a malicious URL and distribute it via phishing emails, social media, or other communication channels.
- Malicious Websites: Attackers can host malicious content on websites, enticing users to click on links that trigger the vulnerability.
- Third-Party Applications: Integration with third-party applications that support URL schemes can be exploited to deliver the malicious payload.
Exploitation Methods:
- Crafted URLs: Attackers can encode malicious commands in base64 and embed them in a
cherrystudio://mcpURL. - Social Engineering: Users can be tricked into clicking on the malicious URL through various social engineering techniques.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Systems:
- All systems running Cherry Studio desktop client versions that include the vulnerable
handleMcpProtocolUrlfunction.
Software Versions:
- As of the publication date (Fri Oct 10 2025), no known patched versions exist. All versions prior to the patch release are considered vulnerable.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Disable Custom Protocol Handling: Temporarily disable the handling of
cherrystudio://URLs until a patch is available. - User Education: Inform users about the risks associated with clicking on unknown or suspicious links.
- Network Monitoring: Implement network monitoring to detect and block malicious URLs.
Long-Term Actions:
- Patch Deployment: Apply the official patch as soon as it is released by Cherry Studio.
- Input Validation: Ensure that all input data, especially from URLs, is properly validated and sanitized.
- Least Privilege: Run the Cherry Studio client with the least privileges necessary to minimize the impact of potential exploits.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
Broader Implications:
- Supply Chain Risks: Vulnerabilities in widely-used desktop clients can have cascading effects on the supply chain, affecting multiple organizations and users.
- User Trust: Incidents involving RCE can erode user trust in the software and the vendor, impacting future adoption and usage.
- Regulatory Compliance: Organizations may face regulatory scrutiny and potential penalties if they fail to address such critical vulnerabilities promptly.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Code Analysis:
- Vulnerable Functions: The
handleMcpProtocolUrlfunction insrc/main/services/ProtocolClient.tsandsrc/main/services/urlschema/mcp-install.tsshould be reviewed for unsafe command execution. - Base64 Decoding: Ensure that base64-encoded data is decoded safely and that any commands are validated before execution.
Detection and Response:
- Logging: Implement comprehensive logging to capture all URL handling activities for forensic analysis.
- Intrusion Detection: Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor for suspicious network activities related to the
cherrystudio://protocol. - Incident Response: Develop an incident response plan specifically for handling RCE vulnerabilities, including steps for containment, eradication, and recovery.
Conclusion: CVE-2025-61929 represents a critical vulnerability in Cherry Studio that requires immediate attention. Organizations should prioritize mitigation strategies and closely monitor for the release of a patch. Enhanced input validation and user education are essential to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
This analysis provides a comprehensive overview for cybersecurity professionals to understand the implications and necessary actions to address CVE-2025-61929 effectively.