CVE-2025-29912 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. In versions 1.3.3 and prior, an unsigned integer underflow in the `Crypto_TC_ProcessSecurity` function of CryptoLib leads to a heap buffer overflow. The vulnerability is triggered when the `fl` (frame length) field in a Telecommand (TC) packet is set to 0. This underflow causes the frame length to be interpreted as 65535, resulting in out-of-bounds memory access. This critical vulnerability can be exploited to cause a denial of service (DoS) or potentially achieve remote code execution. Users of CryptoLib are advised to apply the recommended patch or avoid processing untrusted TC packets until a fix is available.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2025-29912 resides within CryptoLib, a software solution designed to implement the CCSDS Space Data Link Security Protocol - Extended Procedures for securing spacecraft communications with ground stations. This cryptographic library operates as part of the core Flight System (cFS) environment, where it handles the security processing of Telecommand (TC) packets that are essential for spacecraft operations. The system architecture relies on proper validation of packet fields to maintain integrity of the communication channel between space assets and ground control facilities.
The technical flaw manifests in the `Crypto_TC_ProcessSecurity` function where an unsigned integer underflow occurs when processing the `fl` (frame length) field of TC packets. This specific vulnerability represents a classic integer underflow condition where the frame length value of zero triggers an arithmetic operation that wraps around to the maximum value of an unsigned 16-bit integer, resulting in a value of 65535. This underflow condition directly leads to a heap buffer overflow scenario where memory allocation calculations become invalid and subsequent memory access operations extend beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, presenting both denial of service and potential remote code execution risks. When an attacker crafts a TC packet with a frame length field set to zero, the system's memory management becomes compromised, potentially causing application crashes, system instability, or complete service interruption. The heap buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code within the security processing context. This vulnerability directly affects the integrity of space mission operations where reliable communication is paramount for spacecraft control and data management.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-191, which describes unsigned integer underflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, involving exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation or code execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning in aerospace environments where system reliability and security are mission-critical, as the vulnerability can be triggered through network-based packet injection without requiring physical access to the spacecraft systems. The security implications extend beyond simple DoS conditions, as the heap corruption may enable sophisticated exploitation techniques that could compromise the entire spacecraft communication infrastructure.
Organizations utilizing CryptoLib should immediately implement the recommended patch to address this vulnerability, as the underlying integer underflow condition creates a fundamental flaw in the memory management logic. Until patches are applied, system administrators should adopt defensive measures such as implementing strict packet validation procedures, filtering incoming TC packets based on frame length parameters, and establishing network segmentation to limit exposure to untrusted sources. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and proper integer arithmetic handling in safety-critical systems where memory corruption can lead to catastrophic mission failure rather than simple service disruption.