CVE-2025-25215 in ControlVault3
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2025
An arbitrary free vulnerability exists in the cv_close functionality of Dell ControlVault3 prior to 5.15.10.14 and Dell ControlVault3 Plus prior to 6.2.26.36. A specially crafted ControlVault API call can lead to an arbitrary free. An attacker can forge a fake session to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-25215 represents a critical memory corruption issue within Dell ControlVault3 and ControlVault3 Plus software versions prior to specific patch releases. This arbitrary free vulnerability resides within the cv_close functionality of these enterprise security solutions, which are designed to manage and protect sensitive data through cryptographic operations and access control mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the system processes specially crafted ControlVault API calls that manipulate the memory deallocation process, potentially leading to unpredictable system behavior and potential code execution. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on these security appliances for data protection and access management, creating a significant risk to enterprise security infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory management operations within the cv_close function, which is responsible for cleaning up resources and closing sessions within the ControlVault framework. When an attacker crafts a malicious API call that triggers this function, the system performs an arbitrary free operation where memory allocated for session data or other resources is freed from an unexpected memory location. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-415, which describes double free conditions, and CWE-416, which covers use after free errors, though the specific implementation appears to involve improper memory deallocation rather than traditional double free scenarios. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through forged session tokens, allowing remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and directly target the memory management subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can enable attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the ControlVault service. Organizations using affected versions of these security appliances face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to protected systems, and complete compromise of the security infrastructure. The ability to forge sessions and trigger arbitrary free operations means that attackers can potentially manipulate the application's memory layout, leading to privilege escalation or denial of service conditions that could disrupt critical enterprise operations. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations with legacy ControlVault implementations that have not been updated to the patched versions, creating a window of opportunity for sophisticated attackers to exploit these weaknesses. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that ControlVault solutions are often deployed in high-security environments where the compromise of such systems could lead to widespread data exposure and regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-25215 require immediate patch deployment to the affected Dell ControlVault3 and ControlVault3 Plus versions, specifically updating to Dell ControlVault3 5.15.10.14 or later and ControlVault3 Plus 6.2.26.36 or later. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to ControlVault API endpoints and establish strict monitoring for unusual API call patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their ControlVault deployments and ensure that session management protocols are properly configured to prevent forged session attacks. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious API calls targeting memory management functions can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and control, and T1210 for exploitation of remote services, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both network-level protection and application-level security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network principles and continuous monitoring of their security appliance configurations to prevent unauthorized access to critical system functions.