React Native Community CLI Remote Code Execution (RCE) Vulnerability Advisory (CVE-2025-11953)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTMetro Development Server started by React Native Community CLI (binding to external interfaces by default)
Unauthenticated network attackers can send a POST request to execute arbitrary executables, and run arbitrary shell commands with controlled arguments on Windows
Upgrade React Native CLI to the patched version, restrict Metro server binding to localhost (127.0.0.1), and block external access via firewalls
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
Update the React Native CLI dependency to the latest patched version in your project.
# For npm users
npm install @react-native-community/cli@latest --save-dev
# For yarn users
yarn upgrade @react-native-community/cli --latest2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
Force the Metro server to bind only to the loopback interface and block external traffic on the Metro port.
# Force Metro to start on localhost only
npx react-native start --host 127.0.0.1
# Block external access to port 8081 using Windows PowerShell
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName 'Block Metro External' -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 8081 -Protocol TCP -Action Block3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Verify the installed CLI version and inspect Metro server logs for suspicious POST requests.
# Check the installed version of the CLI
npm list @react-native-community/cli
# Audit logs for suspicious POST requests containing shell commands
grep -i 'POST' metro_server.log | grep -E 'cmd|powershell|sh|bash'Block Exploits Instantly with Managed Virtual Patching Rules
Can't patch production immediately? Deploy managed WAF rules at the edge to intercept RCE, SQLi, and deserialization payloads before they hit your origin server.
Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
The Metro Development Server, initiated by the React Native Community CLI, binds to external network interfaces by default, exposing it to the network. The server exposes an endpoint that fails to properly sanitize inputs, leading to an OS command injection vulnerability (CWE-78).
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
An unauthenticated remote attacker can send a malicious HTTP POST request to the exposed Metro server endpoint. On Windows systems, this allows the attacker to execute arbitrary shell commands with fully controlled arguments, leading to complete system compromise without requiring any user interaction.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is listed in the CISA KEV catalog. If a developer workstation or build server is exposed to the internet or an untrusted local network, attackers can compromise the host, leading to source code exfiltration, supply chain contamination, or lateral movement within the corporate network.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
The Metro Development Server, which is opened by the React Native Community CLI, binds to external interfaces by default. The server exposes an endpoint that is vulnerable to OS command injection. This allows unauthenticated network attackers to send a POST request to the server and run arbitrary executables. On Windows, the attackers can also execute arbitrary shell commands with fully controlled arguments.
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2025-11953)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2025-11953 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2025-11953 is rated CVSS 9.8 (CRITICAL) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 94.0%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2025-11953?
Primary impacted vendors include react-native-community across cli. Scope summary: All projects utilizing vulnerable versions of React Native Community CLI and running Metro Development Server exposed to external networks.
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2025-11953 before patching?
[Mitigation] Upgrade React Native CLI to the patched version, restrict Metro server binding to localhost (127.0.0.1), and block external access via firewalls Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
Generate an Internal Engineering Notice or CISO Report for CVE-2025-11953
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