CVE-2025-54137 NodeJS version of the HAX CMS application is distributed with Default Secrets
Unauthenticated attackers can use hardcoded default credentials and JWT keys to access and modify HAX CMS instances.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2025-54137?
CVE-2025-54137 is a high-severity vulnerability in haxtheweb issues, published on 22 Jul 2025. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
HAX CMS NodeJS allows users to manage their microsite universe with a NodeJS backend. Versions 11.0.9 and below were distributed with hardcoded default credentials for the user and superuser accounts. Additionally, the application has default private keys for JWTs. Users aren't prompted to change credentials or secrets during installation, and there is no way to change them through the UI. An unauthenticated attacker can read the default user credentials and JWT private keys from the public haxtheweb GitHub repositories. These credentials and keys can be used to access unconfigured self-hosted instances of the application, modify sites, and perform further attacks. This is fixed in version 11.0.10.
Weakness: CWE-1392
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-54137?
2 open source packages ship an affected version, including @haxtheweb/haxcms-nodejs. It affects 1 product.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
@haxtheweb/haxcms-nodejs npm | All versions | 11.0.10 |
@haxtheweb/haxcms-nodejs npm | All versions | 11.0.10 |
Products include Psu Haxcms-Nodejs.
How do I fix CVE-2025-54137?
Upgrade @haxtheweb/haxcms-nodejs to 11.0.10 or later.
Is CVE-2025-54137 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-54137 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in haxtheweb issues
- CVE-2025-54127 HAXcms's Insecure Default Configuration Leads to Unauthenticated Access
- CVE-2025-49141 HaxCMS-PHP Command Injection Vulnerability
- CVE-2025-49137 Hax CMS Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability
- CVE-2025-54378 HAX CMS Backend Lacks Comprehensive Authorization Checks
- CVE-2026-22704 HAXcms Has Stored XSS Vulnerability that May Lead to Account Takeover
Sources
Also known as GHSA-5fpv-5qvh-7cf3.