Executive Summary

On 2025-11-25, security researcher PetrP.73 released a detailed threat report on CVE-2025-61757, a critical vulnerability affecting Oracle Identity Manager (OIM) versions 12.2.1.4.0 and 14.1.2.1.0. The flaw, rated CVSS 9.8, enables remote code execution by bypassing authentication for key REST API endpoints. CISA has classified the vulnerability as a Known Exploited Vulnerability (KEV), indicating that threat actors are actively leveraging the flaw in the wild.

Technical Overview

The vulnerability originates from improperly protected REST API endpoints that lack sufficient authentication checks. Attackers can send crafted HTTP requests to these endpoints, causing the OIM server to process and execute arbitrary code. The most critical endpoint is the Groovy script status API, which is intended for syntax verification of Groovy code. However, the API compiles and executes the submitted scripts, creating a direct pathway for code execution once authentication is bypassed.

Attack Flow

1. Reconnaissance: An adversary identifies an OIM instance exposed on the internet or within an internal network. 2. Authentication Bypass: The attacker crafts a request to the vulnerable REST endpoint without providing valid credentials, exploiting missing authentication checks. 3. Code Execution: By submitting a malicious Groovy script to the status API, the attacker forces the server to compile and run the script, thereby gaining remote code execution privileges. 4. Persistence and Lateral Movement: Once control is achieved, the attacker can install backdoors, exfiltrate data, or pivot to other systems within the domain.

Impact Assessment

Given the high CVSS score and the nature of the flaw, the impact is severe:

• Confidentiality: Full access to sensitive identity data and privileged accounts.
• Integrity: Ability to modify user roles, permissions, and system configurations.
• Availability: Potential for denial‑of‑service attacks by executing destructive scripts.

Organizations that rely on OIM for identity governance are at risk of a complete compromise of their identity infrastructure.

Threat Actor Landscape

While the report does not attribute the exploitation to a specific group, the use of advanced persistence mechanisms and the exploitation of a high‑severity flaw suggest involvement of well‑resourced threat actors. These could include nation‑state actors, financially motivated cybercriminals, or advanced persistent threat (APT) groups targeting critical infrastructure.

Detection Guidance

Security analysts should monitor the following indicators:

• Unexpected POST requests to /oim/api/groovy/status or similar endpoints.
• Unusual activity on REST API ports (typically 8080 or 8443).
• Execution of Groovy scripts with elevated privileges.
• Anomalies in OIM logs indicating authentication failures or script execution.

Deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules that detect and block unauthorized script submissions can provide an additional layer of protection.

Mitigation Recommendations

1. Patch Immediately: Apply the latest Oracle patches that address CVE-2025-61757. Oracle has released updates for both affected versions.

2. Restrict API Access: Limit exposure of OIM REST APIs to trusted IP ranges or VPNs. Disable the Groovy script status endpoint if not required for operational purposes.

3. Implement Network Segmentation: Place OIM servers in a separate network segment with strict egress and ingress controls.

4. Enhance Logging and Monitoring: Enable detailed audit logging for API calls and script executions. Integrate logs with a SIEM solution to detect abnormal patterns.

5. Apply Principle of Least Privilege: Ensure that only necessary accounts have API access and that script execution rights are tightly controlled.

6. Regular Vulnerability Scanning: Include OIM endpoints in routine scans to detect any residual or new vulnerabilities.

Reference Resources

For further technical details and community discussions, consult the following links:

• AlienVault OTX Pulse
• Socradar Analysis

Conclusion

CVE-2025-61757 represents a high‑risk threat to organizations that rely on Oracle Identity Manager for identity governance. The combination of a missing authentication check, a powerful script execution endpoint, and active exploitation in the wild necessitates immediate action. By following the mitigation steps outlined above and maintaining vigilant monitoring, security teams can reduce the likelihood of compromise and protect critical identity assets.