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HashiCorp Vault Vulnerability Allows Attackers to Crash Servers

A critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-6203 (HCSEC-2025-24) has been disclosed in HashiCorp Vault. This flaw allows attackers to use specially crafted payloads to exhaust server resources, causing Vault instances to become unresponsive.

JBy Joseph CainSep 02, 20251 min read

A critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-6203 (HCSEC-2025-24) has been disclosed in HashiCorp Vault. This flaw allows attackers to use specially crafted payloads to exhaust server resources, causing Vault instances to become unresponsive.

The vulnerability impacts both Vault Community and Enterprise editions, specifically versions 1.15.0 through 1.20.2, including certain earlier patch versions. It was publicly disclosed on Thu, Aug 28, 2025. Users are advised to upgrade to fixed versions, including Vault 1.20.3, to mitigate this issue.

Vault's auditing subsystem logs each request prior to completing operations. Attackers can send a complex request payload that adheres to the 32 MiB request size limit but involves complex JSON structures, resulting in excessive memory and CPU usage. This can cause the audit process to time out, leading to a server stall or crash.

Field Details

CVE Identifier CVE-2025-6203 (HCSEC-2025-24)

Publication Date Thu, Aug 28, 2025

A critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-6203 (HCSEC-2025-24) has been disclosed in HashiCorp Vault.
Joseph Cain · Thehackingpost

Affected Products/Versions Vault Community and Enterprise 1.15.0 through 1.20.2; also 1.19.8, 1.18.13, and 1.16.24

Fixed Versions Vault Community Edition 1.20.3; Vault Enterprise 1.20.3, 1.19.9, 1.18.14, and 1.16.25

HashiCorp has introduced new configuration parameters in response to CVE-2025-6203. These parameters aim to restrict JSON payloads, allowing operators to set limits on:

max_json_depth max_json_string_value_length max_json_object_entry_count max_json_array_element_count

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These parameters supplement the existing max_request_size setting and can be configured per listener in Vault’s TCP listener configuration. Detailed guidance is available in the Vault API documentation and upgrade guide.

Organizations utilizing affected versions should evaluate their exposure and upgrade to patched releases immediately. Administrators are advised to review Vault’s listener configuration and apply the new JSON payload limits to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Complete upgrade instructions are provided in HashiCorp’s “Upgrading Vault” documentation.

Vault’s audit devices record all client interactions to ensure accountability. However, any delay in the audit process can block API endpoints. Attackers can exploit this by overwhelming the audit pipeline, causing a denial-of-service condition without needing valid credentials or access tokens.

Based on reporting by GBHackers.

AI transparency. This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence and published under human editorial oversight. AI systems can make mistakes. Read how we use AI (EU AI Act, Art. 50).
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