Critical React Bug Exploitation Looms, Warns Expert
A critical vulnerability has emerged in the React JavaScript library, raising alarm among security experts. This flaw, identified as CVE-2025-55182, allows unauthorized attackers to execute remote code on affected systems. As React and several of its frameworks, including Next.js, are widely utilized across the internet, the implications are significant.
Details of the Vulnerability
The React team disclosed this security issue on Wednesday, noting a maximum severity rating of 10.0 on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). Versions 19.0, 19.1.0, 19.1.1, and 19.2.0 of React are particularly at risk. The vulnerability primarily exploits flaws in how React decodes payloads at Server Function endpoints.
Benjamin Harris, CEO of exposure management tools firm WatchTowr, emphasized the critical nature of this flaw. “Exploitation requires few prerequisites, and in-the-wild exploitation is imminent,” he stated.
Affected Frameworks and Solutions
This flaw also impacts the default configuration of various React-based frameworks and bundlers, including:
- Next.js
- React Router
- Waku
- @parcel/rsc
- @vitejs/plugin-rsc
- Rwsdk
To mitigate the risks, users are strongly advised to upgrade to the patched versions: 19.0.1, 19.1.2, and 19.2.1.
Exploitation and Prevalence
Research indicates that around 39% of cloud environments may be vulnerable to this flaw. According to analysts from Wiz, both CVE-2025-55182 and CVE-2025-66478, a related CVE assigned by the creators of Next.js, pose significant risks.
Stephen Fewer from Rapid7 noted that exploitation efforts are likely to begin rapidly due to the widespread use of React. “The chances of exploit code being publicly accessible are high,” he stated, urging immediate patching. Despite no confirmed cases of exploitation in the wild at this time, experts recommend vigilant monitoring and swift action.
Recommendations for Users
Given the gravity of the situation, stakeholders are encouraged to:
- Prioritize upgrades to address the vulnerabilities.
- Monitor for any unusual activity in their applications.
- Utilize security measures such as Web Application Firewalls (WAF) for additional protection.
The emergence of this critical React vulnerability underscores the importance of prompt updates and vigilant security practices in maintaining secure web applications. Users must act swiftly to mitigate potential risks associated with CVE-2025-55182.
