CVE-2025-2073 in ChromeOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2025
Out-of-Bounds Read in ip_set_bitmap_ip.c in Google ChromeOS Kernel Versions 6.1, 5.15, 5.10, 5.4, 4.19. on All devices where Termina is used allows an attacker with CAP_NET_ADMIN privileges to cause memory corruption and potentially escalate privileges via crafted ipset commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-2073 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the Google ChromeOS kernel implementation specifically affecting the ip_set_bitmap_ip.c module. This flaw manifests in kernel versions 6.1, 5.15, 5.10, 5.4, and 4.19 across all devices utilizing the Termina virtualization framework. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing crafted ipset commands, creating a scenario where memory access occurs beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The attack vector requires an adversary to possess CAP_NET_ADMIN capabilities, which are typically associated with network administration privileges within the Linux kernel namespace. This privilege level allows users to manipulate network configurations and kernel networking components, making the exploitation pathway more accessible to attackers with sufficient system access or those who have achieved initial compromise through other means.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of ipset commands that are processed by the kernel's ip_set_bitmap_ip.c module. When an attacker submits maliciously crafted ipset parameters, the kernel fails to properly validate the input boundaries before performing memory operations. This leads to a situation where the kernel reads data from memory locations that are not part of the intended data structure, potentially exposing sensitive kernel memory contents or causing memory corruption that can result in system instability. The out-of-bounds read vulnerability directly maps to CWE-129, which represents an insufficient input validation issue where an application fails to validate the boundaries of array or buffer access. The memory corruption resulting from this flaw creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks, as the corrupted memory state can be leveraged to manipulate kernel execution flow or extract sensitive information that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides potential pathways for privilege escalation within the ChromeOS environment. When an attacker with CAP_NET_ADMIN privileges can trigger this out-of-bounds read, they gain the capability to manipulate kernel memory structures, potentially leading to full system compromise. The Termina framework, which provides virtualization capabilities for ChromeOS, adds additional complexity to the attack surface since it introduces additional kernel components that must be considered during exploitation. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where the Termina containerization framework is active, as it represents an additional attack surface that can be leveraged to gain elevated privileges within the kernel space. The affected kernel versions span multiple long-term support releases, indicating that this vulnerability could potentially impact a wide range of ChromeOS devices currently in deployment, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on these platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-2073 should focus on both immediate patch deployment and operational security measures. The primary recommendation involves updating to kernel versions that contain the patched ip_set_bitmap_ip.c implementation, which addresses the insufficient input validation by implementing proper boundary checks before memory operations. Organizations should also consider implementing privilege separation measures to limit the exposure of CAP_NET_ADMIN capabilities to only those processes that absolutely require them, following the principle of least privilege. Network segmentation and monitoring of ipset command execution can provide additional layers of defense by detecting anomalous network configuration changes that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should implement kernel memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel page table isolation to make exploitation more difficult even if the vulnerability is present. Additionally, regular security audits of kernel modules and network configuration management should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation issues that may exist in other kernel components, aligning with the broader security principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics and techniques.