CVE-2025-2177 in libzvbi
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2025
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in libzvbi up to 0.2.43. This vulnerability affects the function vbi_search_new of the file src/search.c. The manipulation of the argument pat_len leads to integer overflow. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 0.2.44 is able to address this issue. The patch is identified as ca1672134b3e2962cd392212c73f44f8f4cb489f. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The code maintainer was informed beforehand about the issues. She reacted very fast and highly professional.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-2177 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the libzvbi library version 0.2.43 and earlier, specifically affecting the vbi_search_new function in src/search.c. This library serves as a vertical blanking interval video decoder for handling teletext and closed caption data in video streams, making it a crucial component for broadcast television processing systems. The integer overflow occurs when processing the pat_len argument, which controls pattern length parameters during search operations. This flaw manifests as a classic integer overflow condition where an attacker can manipulate input parameters to cause arithmetic overflow during length calculations, potentially leading to memory corruption and unpredictable behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond typical software flaws due to its remote exploitability and the widespread use of libzvbi in broadcast processing environments. Attackers can remotely trigger this vulnerability by crafting malicious input data with specially constructed pat_len values that exceed the maximum representable integer values. When the library processes these inputs, the integer overflow corrupts adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions. The public disclosure of exploit details significantly increases the risk surface, as malicious actors can immediately leverage this vulnerability against systems running affected versions without requiring specialized knowledge or tools. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and represents a direct threat to systems processing broadcast video content where libzvbi is integrated.
Systems utilizing libzvbi for television processing, particularly broadcast stations, content delivery networks, and video processing infrastructure, face significant risk from this vulnerability. The exploitability characteristics make it particularly dangerous in environments where automated processing occurs, as malicious inputs could be introduced through broadcast streams or content ingestion processes. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that many broadcast systems operate continuously and may not receive immediate patch updates, creating extended windows of exposure. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of ATT&CK technique T1588.002 for supply chain compromises, as attackers could potentially inject malicious content into broadcast streams to exploit this flaw. Organizations using affected versions should implement immediate mitigation strategies, including network segmentation, input validation, and monitoring for anomalous processing behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The patch addressing CVE-2025-2177 has been implemented in version 0.2.44, with the specific fix identified through commit ca1672134b3e2962cd392212c73f44f8f4cb489f. This update resolves the integer overflow by implementing proper bounds checking and input validation for the pat_len parameter before performing arithmetic operations. The rapid response from the code maintainer demonstrates effective vulnerability management practices and highlights the importance of maintaining updated security patches for critical infrastructure components. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to version 0.2.44 or later to eliminate this vulnerability, as the public availability of exploit code makes immediate remediation essential. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of libzvbi usage within their environments and ensure comprehensive patch deployment across all affected systems. The incident underscores the necessity of maintaining robust security practices, including regular dependency updates, vulnerability scanning, and incident response procedures for critical software components in broadcast and media processing environments.