libzvbi: Access of Uninitialized Pointer
CVE-2025-2173 is a high-severity access of uninitialized pointer vulnerability in libzvbi, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected libzvbi versions: 0.2.0; 0.2.1; 0.2.2, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.61% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 50% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Zvbi to 0.2.44 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libzvbi | libzvbi | 0.2.0; 0.2.1; 0.2.2; 0.2.3; 0.2.4; 0.2.5; 0.2.6; 0.2.7; and 32 more ranges | Not stated |
| Zapping-vbi | Zvbi | before 0.2.44 | 0.2.44 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 6.9 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.3 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 5.0 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
Official description
A vulnerability was found in libzvbi up to 0.2.43. It has been classified as problematic. Affected is the function vbi_strndup_iconv_ucs2 of the file src/conv.c. The manipulation of the argument src_length leads to uninitialized pointer. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 0.2.44 is able to address this issue. The patch is identified as 8def647eea27f7fd7ad33ff79c2d6d3e39948dce. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The code maintainer was informed beforehand about the issues. She reacted very fast and highly professional.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Access of Uninitialized Pointer
The product accesses or uses a pointer that has not been initialized.
More Access of Uninitialized Pointer vulnerabilities (CWE-824)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
- vuldb.com/?id.299202Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- vuldb.com/?submit.512798Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other references
- vuldb.com/?ctiid.299202Permissions Required, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in libzvbi
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Access of Uninitialized Pointer vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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