A flaw was found in GnuTLS. A double-free vulnerability exists in GnuTLS due to incorrect ownership handling in the export logic of Subject Alternative Name (SAN) entries containing an otherName. If the type-id OID is invalid or malformed, GnuTLS will call asn1_delete_structure() on an ASN.1 node it does not own, leading to a double-free condition when the parent function or caller later attempts to free the same structure.
This vulnerability can be triggered using only public GnuTLS APIs and may result in denial of service or memory corruption, depending on allocator behavior. Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations using affected versions should address this issue in their patch cycle.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The severity level is classified as medium with a CVSS score of 6.5, indicating a moderate risk that can affect system stability.
Given the potential for denial of service or memory corruption, it is vital for security teams to be aware of this vulnerability and take action to mitigate associated risks.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-32988 affects GnuTLS and is characterized as a double-free vulnerability. The vulnerability specifically affects the logic used in handling Subject Alternative Name (SAN) entries. The impact can lead to denial of service or memory corruption.
The CVSS score of 6.5 reflects the medium severity of this vulnerability, indicating that while it does pose a risk, it is not as critical as higher-scoring vulnerabilities. The affected products include GnuTLS, OpenShift Container Platform, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux versions 6.0 through 10.0.
The vulnerability was published on July 10, 2025, and is classified under CWE-415.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from incorrect ownership handling related to the export logic of SAN entries in GnuTLS. When an invalid or malformed type-id OID is processed, GnuTLS mishandles memory management, resulting in multiple free attempts on the same memory block.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is classified as network-based, meaning that an attacker can exploit the flaw remotely without the need for physical access. The complexity of the attack is considered high, as it requires the attacker to trigger specific conditions within the GnuTLS API.
No privileges are required for this vulnerability, as it can be triggered by any user interacting with the affected GnuTLS APIs. User interaction is not necessary for exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly concerning.
The confidentiality impact is rated as none, while the integrity impact is low. However, the availability impact is high, meaning that systems could become unresponsive or crash as a result of successful exploitation.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential denial of service and memory corruption, which could disrupt normal operations. Organizations deploying GnuTLS in environments where uptime is critical should treat this vulnerability with urgency.
The blast radius of this vulnerability can be significant due to its network attack vector, affecting any system utilizing the flawed GnuTLS library. The medium severity rating underlines the necessity for organizations to manage their patch cycles effectively.
Given the CVSS score of 6.5 and the potential for exploitation, organizations should address this vulnerability with moderate urgency, scheduling remediation in their next patch cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions are affected by this vulnerability: GnuTLS versions prior to 3.8.10, Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.0, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux versions 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, and 10.0. Organizations should verify their deployments against these product versions.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by their vendors. For affected GnuTLS installations, upgrading to version 3.8.10 or later is recommended. Organizations using Red Hat products should refer to their respective advisories for specific patch details.
In cases where immediate patching is not feasible, consider employing configuration hardening techniques to limit exposure, such as restricting access to GnuTLS APIs or implementing network controls to monitor for unusual activity.
Continuous penetration testing can also be beneficial for identifying and remediating similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts. Behavioral anomalies in memory management or unusual access patterns to GnuTLS APIs can signify attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
Network signatures that identify unusual traffic patterns or payloads targeting GnuTLS could be effective in detecting potential exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the importance of robust memory management practices in cryptographic libraries. Security teams should remain vigilant about potential vulnerabilities in third-party libraries and prioritize regular updates.
As vulnerabilities continue to evolve, organizations must develop a proactive approach to security by enhancing their vulnerability management programs. Regular assessments and threat modeling can help identify areas of risk.
Vulnerability management program design should be tailored to monitor and address emerging threats effectively.
Furthermore, organizations can benefit from engaging in penetration testing methodology to ensure that their defenses are robust against similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Lastly, organizations should consider establishing incident response protocols to react swiftly to any signs of exploitation.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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