How CVE-2025-2925 Works
The vulnerability exists in the `H5MM_realloc` function within `src/H5MM.c` of HDF5 versions up to 1.14.6. Improper memory management occurs when handling the `mem` argument, leading to a double-free condition. This happens when the same memory block is freed twice, potentially corrupting the heap and allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or crash the application. The attack requires local access, limiting its scope but still posing risks in shared environments. The flaw stems from insufficient validation during memory reallocation, where freed pointers are not properly nullified.
DailyCVE Form
Platform: HDF5
Version: ≤1.14.6
Vulnerability: Double Free
Severity: Medium
Date: 04/17/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation:
- Triggering the Bug: Craft a malicious HDF5 file to trigger `H5MM_realloc` with manipulated memory pointers.
- Heap Manipulation: Exploit the double-free to corrupt heap metadata.
- Arbitrary Code Execution: Overwrite function pointers or inject shellcode.
// Proof-of-Concept Snippet void ptr = malloc(100); free(ptr); free(ptr); // Double-free triggered
Protection:
1. Patch: Upgrade to HDF5 1.14.7 or later.
2. Memory Sanitizers: Use tools like AddressSanitizer (`-fsanitize=address`).
3. Input Validation: Reject malformed HDF5 files.
Detection Commands:
Check HDF5 version h5dump --version | grep "1.14.[0-6]"
Mitigation Script:
import h5py
def validate_hdf5(file_path):
try:
with h5py.File(file_path, 'r') as f:
return True
except Exception as e:
print(f"Invalid HDF5 file: {e}")
return False
CVSS Breakdown:
- Attack Vector (AV:L): Local access required.
- Impact (VA:L): Low availability impact.
- Complexity (AC:L): Low attack complexity.
References:
Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
