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AWS Amplify Studio Faces Major Security Flaw
A severe security flaw has been discovered in AWS Amplify Studio’s UI generation framework, placing countless development pipelines at risk. Tracked as CVE-2025-4318 and rated 9.5 on the CVSS severity scale, this vulnerability enables remote code execution (RCE) — one of the most dangerous types of software flaws. A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit has already been released, showcasing how attackers can compromise systems simply by injecting malicious JavaScript into component configurations. The issue lies in the way the platform processes user-defined JavaScript expressions in UI components, without adequately validating the inputs. By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can execute arbitrary commands in the Node.js runtime, potentially stealing secrets, modifying files, or maintaining persistent backdoor access.
The flaw affects versions 2.20.2 and earlier of the @aws-amplify/codegen-ui package, a key component in AWS Amplify Studio’s visual UI builder. This platform allows developers to design React components via drag-and-drop functionality, making use of dynamic JavaScript expressions for component properties. However, this convenience has come at a cost — the system dangerously trusted user-supplied input and executed it with full privileges. Specifically, unsafe methods like eval(), new Function(), and vm.runInNewContext() were being used without restrictions, treating property expressions as secure code. This led to critical exposure, particularly in collaborative environments and automated CI/CD pipelines where shared components are common.
The threat escalates in continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) setups, where such malicious inputs could be processed automatically, exposing sensitive AWS credentials and system configurations. Fortunately, AWS has taken swift action, releasing a patch (version 2.20.3) that introduces stronger input validation and replaces the dangerous evaluation mechanisms. The new version incorporates a sandbox execution layer, a function blacklist, and fast-fail mechanisms to detect and block unsafe code early. Developers are strongly urged to update to the latest version and review all current components for suspicious expressions. This incident underscores the growing risks in low-code platforms and the necessity for robust security hygiene, even in visually-driven development environments.
What Undercode Say:
The AWS Amplify Studio vulnerability serves as a striking example of how powerful tools can become dangerous when security is sidelined for ease of use. Amplify Studio is built to simplify React development through visual drag-and-drop design, but that same simplicity opened a dangerous backdoor. By trusting user-generated content and evaluating it directly as JavaScript, AWS inadvertently allowed attackers to hijack the platform for remote code execution.
At the core of the issue is the misuse of dangerous JavaScript functions like eval() and new Function(), which should never be used on untrusted input. These functions execute code within the full context of the Node.js environment, giving attackers access to sensitive APIs and operating system-level commands. The moment this input is accepted blindly, the application becomes a playground for cybercriminals. Worse, this vulnerability doesn’t require elaborate social engineering or deep knowledge of the target — any shared component or external JSON file can become a silent weapon.
What amplifies the risk is Amplify Studio’s tight integration into CI/CD environments. These systems automate builds and deployments, and if a compromised component enters the pipeline, malicious code could run automatically. This opens the floodgates to data exfiltration, AWS token theft, and even unauthorized server-level changes. The availability of a PoC means attackers now have a roadmap to exploit real-world targets.
The response from AWS — issuing version 2.20.3 with a secured sandbox — is commendable, but it raises an essential question: Why weren’t these input validations and restrictions in place from the beginning? Any platform that interprets code, especially low-code tools that democratize software development, must default to a deny-all stance when handling user-generated scripts. Trusting input is a critical mistake.
By implementing a function blacklist and limiting the execution environment, AWS has taken a meaningful step. However, developers must also play their part. Simply upgrading the package is not enough. Teams should audit their entire codebase, especially components shared in teams or downloaded from public repositories. Proper code reviews, static code analysis, and safe programming practices are no longer optional — they’re essential.
In the bigger picture, this event is a stark reminder that even platforms designed for speed and simplicity must not overlook foundational security principles. The promise of low-code platforms is compelling, but convenience cannot come at the cost of control. With attackers becoming more sophisticated and CI/CD environments becoming more integral, platforms like Amplify must be hardened to resist manipulation at every layer.
Fact Checker Results ✅
🔍 Is the vulnerability confirmed by AWS? — ✅ Yes
🔍 Has a working PoC been released publicly? — ✅ Yes
🔍 Is there a patch available to fix it? — ✅ Yes
Prediction 🔮
Expect increased scrutiny of low-code and visual development platforms in the coming months, especially those allowing code evaluation. Security researchers and malicious actors alike will turn their attention to similar systems, potentially uncovering more vulnerabilities. AWS will likely enhance documentation and implement stricter policies, and companies relying on Amplify Studio may temporarily halt adoption until internal audits confirm safety. Developers will be pushed toward sandboxed or declarative alternatives to unsafe scripting models.
References:
Reported By: cyberpress.org
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