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March 18, 2025
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How to Fix CVE-2025-29909: the Critical Heap Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in CryptoLib's Space Communication Systems
A critical heap buffer overflow vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-29909, has been discovered in CryptoLib, a library crucial for secure space communication. This flaw affects versions 1.3.3 and prior, posing a significant risk to spacecraft and ground station systems. The vulnerability resides within the Crypto_TC_ApplySecurity() function and is triggered by maliciously crafted Telecommand (TC) frames, leading to out-of-bounds memory writes. This article provides security professionals with the necessary information to understand, detect, and mitigate this vulnerability, ensuring the integrity and security of space communication infrastructure. Immediate action is required to prevent potential exploitation and safeguard critical assets.
A Short Introduction to CryptoLib
CryptoLib is a software library designed to provide secure communication capabilities between spacecraft and ground stations. It implements the CCSDS Space Data Link Security Protocol - Extended Procedures (SDLS-EP), offering a software-only solution for securing Telecommands (TC) and telemetry data. CryptoLib is often integrated into core Flight System (cFS) applications, making it a vital component of many space mission architectures. Due to its role in securing critical communication links, vulnerabilities within CryptoLib can have far-reaching consequences.
Summary of CVE-2025-29909
CVE ID: CVE-2025-29909
Description: A heap buffer overflow vulnerability in CryptoLib's
Crypto_TC_ApplySecurity()function that allows an attacker to craft a malicious TC frame, leading to out-of-bounds memory writes.CVSS Score: 8.9
CVSS Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P
The vulnerability stems from an integer underflow condition within the Crypto_TC_ApplySecurity() function. When processing a specially crafted TC frame, the function can calculate an incorrect buffer size due to the underflow. This leads to a smaller-than-required buffer being allocated on the heap. Subsequent writes to this buffer then overflow the allocated memory, potentially overwriting adjacent heap metadata or other critical data structures. This can lead to denial of service (DoS) or, in more sophisticated attacks, remote code execution (RCE). The existence of a patch indicates the feasibility of exploitation, making prompt remediation essential.
Impact of CVE-2025-29909
The exploitation of CVE-2025-29909 can have severe consequences for spacecraft and mission control systems. Successful exploitation could lead to:
Remote Code Execution (RCE): An attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system, gaining full control.
Denial of Service (DoS): The overflow could corrupt memory, causing the system to crash or become unresponsive.
Compromise of Communication Security: Attackers could intercept or manipulate communication between the spacecraft and ground stations, potentially disrupting mission operations.
High Risk for Satellite Ground Stations and Mission Control Software: These systems are primary targets due to their direct interaction with TC frames.
Injection of Malformed Frames: Attackers can inject malformed frames to exploit the vulnerability, making input validation crucial.
Given these potential impacts, organizations relying on CryptoLib for securing space communications must prioritize patching and mitigation efforts to prevent exploitation and maintain the integrity of their systems.
Products Affected by CVE-2025-29909
The following versions of CryptoLib are affected by CVE-2025-29909:
| Product | Version(s) Affected |
|---|---|
| CryptoLib | 1.3.3 and prior |
It is important to note that any application or system relying on CryptoLib for Telecommand (TC) processing and lacking strict input validation of incoming TC frames is at risk. This includes satellite ground stations or mission control software. Versions of CryptoLib beyond 1.3.3, incorporating the patch from commit c7e8a8745ff4b5e9bd7e500e91358e86d5abedcc, are not vulnerable.
How to Check Your Product is Vulnerable?
To determine if your system is vulnerable to CVE-2025-29909, follow these steps:
Identify CryptoLib Version: Determine the version of CryptoLib installed on your system. This information can typically be found in the library's metadata or through system configuration files.
TC Frame Processing Points: Identify all points where Telecommand (TC) frames are processed using CryptoLib, particularly where the
Crypto_TC_ApplySecurity()function is called.Input Validation Review: Examine the input validation routines for incoming TC frames. Ensure that all TC frame parameters, especially those related to buffer sizes and lengths, are strictly validated to prevent integer underflow conditions.
Code Review: Conduct a code review of the
Crypto_TC_ApplySecurity()function call sites. Verify that buffer sizes are correctly calculated and that sufficient memory is allocated before writing data.Static Analysis: Employ static analysis tools to scan your codebase for potential integer underflow vulnerabilities within the
Crypto_TC_ApplySecurity()function or related code paths.Dynamic Testing: Perform dynamic testing with crafted TC frames designed to trigger an integer underflow condition. Monitor the system for crashes, unexpected behavior, or memory corruption.
How to Fix CVE-2025-29909?
The primary remediation strategy is to upgrade CryptoLib to a patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, implement the following workarounds:
Upgrade to Patched Version: Upgrade CryptoLib to a version beyond 1.3.3, incorporating the patch from commit
c7e8a8745ff4b5e9bd7e500e91358e86d5abedcc. This patch addresses the integer underflow vulnerability in theCrypto_TC_ApplySecurity()function.Implement Strict Input Validation: Implement strict input validation for all incoming TC frames. Ensure that all parameters related to buffer sizes and lengths are validated to prevent integer underflow conditions. Specifically, verify that calculations involving frame lengths and offsets do not result in negative values.
Monitor and Filter Network Traffic: Monitor network traffic for potential malformed TC frames. Implement filtering rules to drop or quarantine any frames that exhibit suspicious characteristics, such as unusually large or negative length values.
Conduct a Thorough Security Review: Conduct a thorough security review of spacecraft communication systems to identify and address any other potential vulnerabilities.
Restrict Network Access: Restrict network access to mission-critical communication infrastructure. Implement firewall rules and access control lists (ACLs) to limit access to authorized personnel and systems only.
Monitor Official Channels: Monitor official channels for any security updates or patches related to this vulnerability.
By implementing these mitigation strategies, organizations can significantly reduce the risk posed by CVE-2025-29909 and protect their critical space communication infrastructure from potential exploitation.
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Arun KL
Arun KL is a cybersecurity professional with 15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, cloud security, vulnerability management, Penetration Testing, security operations, and incident response. He is adept at designing and implementing robust security solutions to safeguard systems and data. Arun holds multiple industry certifications including CCNA, CCNA Security, RHCE, CEH, and AWS Security.
