A NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability in Cesanta Frozen versions less than 1.7 allows an attacker to induce a crash of the component embedding the library by supplying a maliciously crafted JSON as input. This vulnerability is classified with a CVSS base score of 5.3, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based, and the attack complexity is low, meaning that little skill is required for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability.
Risk to organizations includes potential disruptions in service and application failures that could arise from crashes due to this vulnerability. Given the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should address this issue in their priority patch cycle, as it could be exploited to cause significant operational impacts.
Currently, there is no known exploit for this vulnerability, and it has not been reported as actively exploited in the wild. However, the potential for exploitation exists, and organizations should remain vigilant.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to avoid the risks associated with this vulnerability and ensure the stability of their systems utilizing Cesanta Frozen.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE-2025-0696 vulnerability is characterized as a NULL Pointer Dereference issue in Cesanta Frozen versions prior to 1.7. The official CVE description states that it allows an attacker to induce a crash of the component embedding the library by supplying a maliciously crafted JSON as input. The CVSS score of 5.3 signifies a medium severity level, indicating that while it is not critical, it poses enough risk to warrant attention. The vulnerability was published on January 27, 2025.
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-476, which relates to NULL Pointer Dereference issues. The impact is primarily on availability, as the crash of the component can lead to service disruption.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a NULL pointer dereference that occurs when the library processes input without proper validation. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted JSON data, causing the application to crash. The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker does not need physical or local access to exploit this vulnerability.
The attack complexity is low, requiring no privileges or user interaction, making it straightforward for an attacker to trigger the vulnerability. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is none, but there is a low impact on availability due to potential crashes.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk includes the potential for service disruptions that can affect business operations if the vulnerability is exploited. Organizations relying on Cesanta Frozen for critical functionalities may face significant operational impacts if the component crashes. The availability impact is classified as low, but repeated exploitation could lead to increased downtime.
Given the CVSS score of 5.3, organizations should assess the urgency of remediation based on their specific environment and the criticality of the services depending on the vulnerable component. While it may not be an immediate threat, it should be addressed in the priority patch cycle to mitigate any potential risks.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Cesanta Frozen prior to 1.7 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations using these versions should be aware of the potential risks and take action accordingly.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by the vendor. If an immediate patch is not available, consider implementing input validation to reject potentially malicious JSON input. Regularly review and update security configurations and ensure robust monitoring of systems utilizing Cesanta Frozen.
For further insights on effective remediation strategies, organizations can utilize penetration testing to evaluate the security posture of their applications.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor application logs for signs of crashes or errors that could indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in application performance may signal an underlying issue related to this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-0696 lies in its potential to disrupt services that rely on Cesanta Frozen. While not currently exploited, vulnerabilities of this nature can often serve as stepping stones for more sophisticated attack vectors.
Organizations should learn from this vulnerability to enhance their overall security posture. Regular security assessments and timely updates are critical components of a robust security strategy.
For additional resources on vulnerability management, organizations can refer to the vulnerability management program design and the importance of proactive security measures.
Furthermore, organizations can explore the benefits of conducting penetration testing methodology to identify vulnerabilities in their applications before they can be exploited.
In conclusion, while CVE-2025-0696 remains unexploited, it is vital for organizations to remain vigilant and act promptly to protect their systems from potential threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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