Mumbai, December 29: MongoDB, a widely used NoSQL database, has disclosed a serious security vulnerability tracked as CVE-2025-14847 and nicknamed MongoBleed. The flaw affects multiple supported and legacy MongoDB Server versions and allows unauthenticated attackers to remotely read uninitialised heap memory, potentially exposing sensitive in‑memory data. Self‑hosted MongoDB deployments remain at risk until patched, while MongoDB Atlas instances have already been automatically updated.

What is MongoBleed? Understanding CVE-2025-14847

CVE-2025-14847 is caused by improper handling of length parameters in MongoDB’s zlib‑based network message compression logic, which is processed before authentication. By sending specially crafted compressed packets, an attacker can trigger the server to return uninitialised heap memory to the client. This behaviour may expose fragments of sensitive data stored in memory. While some Linux packages using zlib, such as rsync, share similar components, confirmed exploitation outside MongoDB has not been established. SIM Box Cyber Fraud Busted in Andhra Pradesh; INR 20 Crore Scam Uncovered by Police, 20 Arrested With Foreign Links.

Global Risk: Exposed MongoDB Instances

Research from Wiz indicates that a significant number of cloud environments still run MongoDB versions affected by CVE-2025-14847, including internet‑facing deployments. Separately, Censys has reported tens of thousands of potentially vulnerable MongoDB instances worldwide. Public proof‑of‑concept exploit code has been available since late December 2025, and security researchers have reported early signs of exploitation attempts targeting exposed servers.

Impacted MongoDB Versions

The flaw affects the following MongoDB releases:

  • MongoDB 8.2.0 through 8.2.2

  • MongoDB 8.0.0 through 8.0.16

  • MongoDB 7.0.0 through 7.0.27

  • MongoDB 6.0.0 through 6.0.26

  • MongoDB 5.0.0 through 5.0.31

  • MongoDB 4.4.0 through 4.4.29

  • All MongoDB Server v4.2, v4.0, and v3.6 versions

MongoDB Security Recommendations: How to Protect Your Database

To mitigate risks from CVE-2025-14847:

  • Upgrade MongoDB Immediately: Use patched versions 8.2.3, 8.0.17, 7.0.28, 6.0.27, 5.0.32, or 4.4.30.

  • Disable zlib Compression: If immediate patching is not possible, remove zlib from networkMessageCompressors or net.compression.compressors. Use alternatives like snappy or zstd.

  • Restrict Network Exposure: Limit MongoDB server accessibility through firewalls and private networking.

  • Monitor Logs for Suspicious Activity: Watch for pre-authentication connection attempts or unexpected crashes. Tools and guides from Eric Capuano and Florian Roth provide detection assistance.

  • Plan Upgrades for End-of-Life Versions: Unsupported versions remain permanently vulnerable. Layoffs in 2025: AI-Driven Job Cuts Surge as Companies Like Amazon Trim Workforce Ahead of 2026.

The Risk Explained: Why MongoDB Users Must Act Quickly

MongoBleed allows attackers to access uninitialised memory without authentication, increasing the risk of sensitive data exposure and follow‑on attacks. Although the flaw does not directly enable full system compromise on its own, it can provide attackers with valuable information that may be used in further exploitation. Prompt patching and strict network controls remain critical to protecting MongoDB deployments from potential abuse.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2025 12:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).