CVE-2025-53853 in libbiosig
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2025
A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the ISHNE parsing functionality of The Biosig Project libbiosig 3.9.0 and Master Branch (35a819fa). A specially crafted ISHNE ECG annotations file can lead to arbitrary code execution. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2025
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-53853 resides within the ISHNE parsing functionality of the Biosig Project libbiosig library version 3.9.0 and its master branch revision 35a819fa. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited through the processing of specially crafted ISHNE ECG annotations files, which are commonly used in medical data exchange and analysis systems. The ISHNE format is specifically designed for storing ECG annotations and is widely utilized in healthcare applications where accurate and reliable data processing is paramount. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the parsing routines that handle these medical annotation files.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the libbiosig library processes ISHNE files containing malformed data structures that exceed allocated buffer boundaries. This heap-based overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a library that processes medical data, which often contains sensitive patient information and is used in critical healthcare applications. The flaw manifests when the parsing function fails to properly validate the size or structure of incoming ISHNE annotation data, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to healthcare information systems and medical device security. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems processing ECG data, potentially compromising patient privacy and medical records. The attack surface is particularly broad given that libbiosig is used in various medical applications and research environments where ECG data analysis is critical. This vulnerability could be exploited in scenarios involving remote file upload capabilities, network-based data exchange, or even through malicious USB devices containing compromised ECG files. The implications for healthcare organizations are severe as they may face regulatory compliance issues under HIPAA and similar privacy regulations, along with potential system compromise that could affect patient care delivery.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-53853 should focus on immediate patching of affected libbiosig installations, with particular attention to healthcare systems and research environments that process ECG data. Organizations should implement input validation controls at multiple layers, including file format validation and size checking for ISHNE files before processing. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual file processing activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of untrusted ECG annotation files and establish robust backup and recovery procedures to mitigate potential system compromise. The fix requires careful memory management implementation with proper bounds checking and input validation to prevent future occurrences of similar heap corruption vulnerabilities in medical data processing libraries.