edk2: Active Debug Code
CVE-2025-2486 is a high-severity active debug code vulnerability in edk2 from Ubuntu, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 2024.05-2ubuntu0.3, 2024.02-2ubuntu0.3 as the first without the flaw, so updating edk2 to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.14% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update edk2 to 2024.05-2ubuntu0.3 or 2024.02-2ubuntu0.3, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu | edk2 | 2024.05 up to, but not including, 2024.05-2ubuntu0.3; 2024.02 up to, but not including, 2024.02-2ubuntu0.3 | 2024.05-2ubuntu0.3, 2024.02-2ubuntu0.3 |
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
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 3.7 | Low | CNA (ubuntu.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
The Ubuntu edk2 UEFI firmware packages accidentally allowed the UEFI Shell to be accessed in Secure Boot environments, possibly allowing bypass of Secure Boot constraints. Versions 2024.05-2ubuntu0.3 and 2024.02-2ubuntu0.3 disable the Shell. Some previous versions inserted a secure-boot-based decision to continue running inside the Shell itself, which is believed to be sufficient to enforce Secure Boot restrictions. This is an additional repair on top of the incomplete fix for CVE-2023-48733.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Active Debug Code
The product is released with debugging code still enabled or active.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Remove debug code before deploying the application.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/edk2/+bug/2101797Third Party Advisory
Recent Active Debug Code vulnerabilities
- 8.6 High severity
- 7.9 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 8.9 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.