CVE-2025-29911 in CryptoLib
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2025
CryptoLib provides a software-only solution using the CCSDS Space Data Link Security Protocol - Extended Procedures (SDLS-EP) to secure communications between a spacecraft running the core Flight System (cFS) and a ground station. A critical heap buffer overflow vulnerability was identified in the `Crypto_AOS_ProcessSecurity` function of CryptoLib versions 1.3.3 and prior. This vulnerability allows an attacker to trigger a Denial of Service (DoS) or potentially execute arbitrary code (RCE) by providing a maliciously crafted AOS frame with an insufficient length. The vulnerability lies in the function `Crypto_AOS_ProcessSecurity`, specifically during the processing of the Frame Error Control Field (FECF). The affected code attempts to read from the `p_ingest` buffer at indices `current_managed_parameters_struct.max_frame_size - 2` and `current_managed_parameters_struct.max_frame_size - 1` without verifying if `len_ingest` is sufficiently large. This leads to a heap buffer overflow when `len_ingest` is smaller than `max_frame_size`. As of time of publication, no known patched versions exist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2025-29911 represents a critical security flaw within the CryptoLib component of spacecraft communication systems that implement the CCSDS Space Data Link Security Protocol - Extended Procedures. This software solution is specifically designed to secure communications between spacecraft utilizing the core Flight System (cFS) and ground stations, making it a critical component in space mission operations. The vulnerability exists in version 1.3.3 and earlier releases, creating a significant risk for space agencies and mission operators who rely on these systems for secure data transmission. The affected system architecture operates within the constrained environment of space communications where reliability and security are paramount, yet this flaw introduces potential for catastrophic operational failures.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the Crypto_AOS_ProcessSecurity function where the system processes the Frame Error Control Field (FECF) of AOS frames without proper bounds checking. The vulnerability stems from a heap buffer overflow condition that manifests when the system attempts to read from the p_ingest buffer at specific indices calculated as current_managed_parameters_struct.max_frame_size - 2 and current_managed_parameters_struct.max_frame_size - 1. This buffer access pattern assumes that the input buffer length len_ingest is sufficient to accommodate these calculations, yet no validation occurs to verify that len_ingest meets the minimum requirements. The flaw specifically exploits the lack of input sanitization during frame processing, where the system does not validate whether the incoming frame data meets the expected minimum length requirements before attempting to access buffer locations that may extend beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially enable remote code execution within the spacecraft's operational environment. When an attacker crafts a malicious AOS frame with insufficient length, the system's failure to validate buffer boundaries results in memory corruption that can lead to unpredictable behavior. The heap buffer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution within the spacecraft's secure communication framework. This represents a severe threat to mission integrity as spacecraft systems are often remote and cannot be easily physically accessed for immediate remediation, making the potential for exploitation particularly concerning in mission-critical scenarios where communications must remain secure and reliable.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and presents characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious payloads within the spacecraft's operational environment. The lack of patched versions at the time of publication creates an urgent security risk for organizations utilizing affected CryptoLib implementations. Organizations should implement immediate operational mitigations including network segmentation to limit access to spacecraft communication systems, enhanced monitoring for anomalous frame patterns, and implementation of input validation at network boundaries. The absence of patched versions necessitates careful risk assessment and potentially temporary operational shutdowns of affected systems until vendor-provided security updates are available. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation in embedded systems and highlights the unique security challenges present in space-based communication architectures where traditional cybersecurity mitigations may not be sufficient.