CVE-2025-2260 in ThreadX
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2025
In NetX HTTP server functionality of Eclipse ThreadX NetX Duo before version 6.4.3, an attacker can cause a denial of service by specially crafted packets. The core issue is missing closing of a file in case of an error condition, resulting in the 404 error for each further file request. Users can work-around the issue by disabling the PUT request support.
This issue follows an incomplete fix of CVE-2025-0726.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2025-2260 represents a critical denial of service weakness within the NetX HTTP server functionality of Eclipse ThreadX NetX Duo versions prior to 6.4.3. This flaw manifests when the system encounters error conditions during file processing, specifically failing to properly close file handles when exceptions occur. The root cause stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms that leave file descriptors open, creating a resource exhaustion scenario that ultimately leads to a cascading failure where subsequent file requests generate 404 errors regardless of file existence. This represents a classic example of resource leak vulnerability that can be exploited to disrupt normal service operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and inadequate exception handling within the HTTP server's file processing subsystem. When an error condition occurs during file operations, the system fails to execute proper cleanup routines that would normally close file handles and release associated resources. This creates a state where file descriptors remain open and locked, preventing subsequent file access operations from completing successfully. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core HTTP server functionality and operates at a fundamental level of resource management within the operating system's networking stack. The issue follows a pattern previously observed in CVE-2025-0726, indicating that the original fix was incomplete or improperly implemented, leaving residual weaknesses in the codebase that can be exploited through similar attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise system availability and reliability in embedded environments where ThreadX NetX Duo is deployed. Networked systems utilizing this HTTP server functionality may experience complete service degradation where legitimate users cannot access files through the web interface, while attackers can maintain persistent denial of service conditions without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack payloads. The vulnerability affects embedded systems and IoT devices where resource constraints make proper cleanup even more critical, and where administrators may not have immediate access to update mechanisms. This flaw can be particularly damaging in mission-critical applications where continuous availability is essential, as it creates a persistent state where the system appears to be functioning normally but cannot process legitimate file requests.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-2260 include immediate deployment of the patched version 6.4.3 of Eclipse ThreadX NetX Duo, which addresses the underlying resource management issues in the HTTP server implementation. Organizations can implement temporary workarounds by disabling PUT request support, which reduces the attack surface and prevents exploitation of the specific resource leak condition. Security teams should monitor network traffic for unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on malformed HTTP requests that could trigger the error conditions leading to resource exhaustion. System administrators should implement robust monitoring of file descriptor usage and process resource consumption to detect early signs of resource leak conditions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-404, which describes improper resource management, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. The fix addresses fundamental security principles related to proper resource cleanup and error handling, ensuring that all file operations properly release resources regardless of execution path taken during error conditions.