Description
Pterodactyl is a free, open-source game server management panel. Prior to version 1.11.11, using the /locales/locale.json with the locale and namespace query parameters, a malicious actor is able to execute arbitrary code without being authenticated. With the ability to execute arbitrary code it could be used to gain access to the Panel's server, read credentials from the Panel's config, extract sensitive information from the database, access files of servers managed by the panel, etc. This issue has been patched in version 1.11.11. There are no software workarounds for this vulnerability, but use of an external Web Application Firewall (WAF) could help mitigate this attack.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-18765
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-18765 affects Pterodactyl, an open-source game server management panel. The issue allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting the /locales/locale.json endpoint with specific query parameters. This vulnerability is classified with a CVSS Base Score of 10.0, indicating a critical severity level. The CVSS vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H breaks down as follows:
- AV:N (Network): The vulnerability is exploitable over the network.
- AC:L (Low): The attack complexity is low, meaning it is relatively easy to exploit.
- PR:N (None): No privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability.
- UI:N (None): No user interaction is required.
- S:C (Changed): The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
- C:H (High): The confidentiality impact is high.
- I:H (High): The integrity impact is high.
- A:H (High): The availability impact is high.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
The primary attack vector involves sending a crafted request to the /locales/locale.json endpoint with malicious locale and namespace query parameters. This can be done without authentication, making it a highly accessible attack vector. Potential exploitation methods include:
- Remote Code Execution (RCE): By injecting malicious code through the query parameters, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the server.
- Data Exfiltration: The attacker can read sensitive information from the Panel's configuration files and database.
- Lateral Movement: Once access is gained, the attacker can move laterally within the network, compromising other systems managed by the panel.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of Pterodactyl prior to version 1.11.11. Specifically:
- Product: Pterodactyl Panel
- Affected Versions: All versions < 1.11.11
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate this vulnerability, the following strategies are recommended:
- Update to the Latest Version: Upgrade Pterodactyl to version 1.11.11 or later, which includes the patch for this vulnerability.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Implement an external WAF to help mitigate the attack by blocking malicious requests to the
/locales/locale.jsonendpoint. - Network Segmentation: Segment the network to limit the potential impact of a successful exploit.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address similar issues proactively.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using Pterodactyl for game server management, particularly those within the European Union. The potential for unauthenticated RCE can lead to severe data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and disruption of services. This underscores the importance of timely patching and robust security measures in the European cybersecurity landscape.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
For security professionals, the following technical details are pertinent:
- Exploit Path: The vulnerability is triggered via the
/locales/locale.jsonendpoint withlocaleandnamespacequery parameters. - Patch Details: The patch is available in version 1.11.11 of Pterodactyl. The commit
24c82b0e335fb5d7a844226b08abf9f176e592f0contains the fix. - References:
Conclusion
EUVD-2025-18765 represents a critical vulnerability in Pterodactyl that requires immediate attention. Organizations should prioritize updating to the patched version and implementing additional security measures to protect against potential exploits. The European cybersecurity community should remain vigilant and proactive in addressing such vulnerabilities to maintain a robust security posture.