libxml2: Expired Pointer Dereference
CVE-2025-49795 is a high-severity expired pointer dereference vulnerability in libxml2 from GNOME, 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. The record lists version 2.14.5 as the first without the flaw, so updating libxml2 to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.62% 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 libxml2 to 2.14.5 or a later version.
- Update RUGGEDCOM RST2428P to V4.0 or a later version.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNOME | libxml2 | 2.10.0 up to, but not including, 2.14.5 | 2.14.5 |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat JBoss Core Services 2.4.62.SP2 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Hardened Images | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Siemens | RUGGEDCOM RST2428P | before V4.0 | V4.0 |
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 CNA (redhat.com).
Official description
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability was found in libxml2 when processing XPath XML expressions. This flaw allows an attacker to craft a malicious XML input to libxml2, leading to a denial of service.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Expired Pointer Dereference
The product dereferences a pointer that contains a location for memory that was previously valid, but is no longer valid.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Choose a language that provides automatic memory management.
- When freeing pointers, be sure to set them to NULL once they are freed. However, the utilization of multiple or complex data structures may lower the usefulness of this strategy.
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
Other references
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2025:10630
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2025:19020
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:7519
- access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2025-49795
- bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2372379
- gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/libxml2/-/issues/932
- cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-253495.html
Other vulnerabilities in libxml2
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Expired Pointer Dereference vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
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