CVE-2025-27363
Remediation/Mitigation Strategy for CVE-2025-27363: FreeType Out-of-Bounds Write
Vulnerability Description:
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-27363
- Affected Software: FreeType versions 2.13.0 and below.
- Description: An out-of-bounds write vulnerability exists in FreeType when parsing font subglyph structures related to TrueType GX and variable font files. The vulnerability occurs due to a signed short value being assigned to an unsigned long, leading to a heap buffer allocation that is smaller than required. Subsequently, the code writes up to 6 signed long integers out of bounds relative to this buffer. This can lead to memory corruption.
Severity:
- CVSS Score: 8.1 (High)
- Impact: Arbitrary Code Execution. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially gaining full control.
Known Exploit:
- Exploitation Status: The vulnerability has potentially been exploited in the wild. This elevates the urgency of implementing the mitigation steps.
Remediation/Mitigation Strategy:
The primary goal is to eliminate the vulnerable code and prevent potential exploitation. Given the active exploitation status, immediate action is crucial.
1. Upgrade FreeType Library:
* **Action:** Upgrade to a patched version of FreeType that addresses the vulnerability. This is the most effective and recommended solution. Check the FreeType project website ([https://freetype.org/](https://freetype.org/)) or your operating system/package manager for available updates. Versions later than 2.13.0 should contain the fix.
* **Priority:** **Critical**. This should be the highest priority task.
* **Timeline:** Immediately.
* **Verification:** After upgrading, verify the FreeType version to ensure the patch has been applied. Use a command-line tool like `freetype-config --version` (Linux) or examine the FreeType library files directly.
2. Identify Affected Systems:
* **Action:** Identify all systems and applications that use the vulnerable FreeType library. This includes operating systems, software applications, web browsers, and any other component that renders fonts. Inventory your systems to get a better understanding.
* **Priority:** High.
* **Timeline:** Within 24 hours.
* **Method:**
* **Operating System Package Manager:** Use your operating system's package manager (e.g., `apt`, `yum`, `pacman`) to identify which packages depend on FreeType.
* **Application Dependencies:** For custom applications, check the application's dependencies to determine if it uses the vulnerable FreeType library.
* **Software Composition Analysis (SCA) Tools:** Employ SCA tools to automatically identify vulnerable components within your software supply chain.
3. Prioritize Patching Based on Exposure:
* **Action:** Prioritize patching systems and applications based on their exposure to untrusted data (e.g., internet-facing servers, email clients, web browsers, file processing applications). Focus on systems that are likely to process malicious fonts.
* **Priority:** High.
* **Timeline:** Immediately after completing step 2.
4. Implement Temporary Mitigation Measures (If Immediate Patching is Not Possible):
* **Note:** These are *temporary* measures and should be replaced with patching as soon as possible.
* **Action:**
* **Disable or Restrict Font Handling:** Where possible, temporarily disable or restrict font handling in applications that are not critical.
* **Sanitize Font Files:** If font files are being uploaded or processed, implement strict sanitization and validation procedures to prevent malicious fonts from being processed. This can be complex and may not be fully effective.
* **Web Browser Security Settings:** Adjust web browser security settings to limit the processing of fonts from untrusted sources.
* **Priority:** Medium.
* **Timeline:** Within 48 hours if patching cannot be done immediately.
5. Monitor for Exploitation:
* **Action:** Implement intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to monitor for attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Look for unusual memory access patterns or code execution attempts within the FreeType process.
* **Priority:** Medium.
* **Timeline:** Continuously.
6. User Awareness:
* **Action:** Educate users about the risks of opening untrusted font files or visiting websites that may contain malicious fonts.
* **Priority:** Low.
* **Timeline:** Ongoing.
7. Testing:
* **Action:** After applying the patch, thoroughly test the affected systems and applications to ensure that the patch has been applied correctly and that no new issues have been introduced.
* **Priority:** High.
* **Timeline:** Immediately after patching.
8. Vendor Communication:
* **Action:** If you use commercial software that relies on FreeType, contact the vendor to inquire about their plans for addressing this vulnerability.
* **Priority:** Medium.
* **Timeline:** Within 72 hours.
9. Documentation:
* **Action:** Document all steps taken to remediate or mitigate this vulnerability, including the systems affected, the patches applied, and the testing performed.
* **Priority:** Low.
* **Timeline:** Concurrent with remediation efforts.
Important Considerations:
- The “exploit in the wild” status significantly increases the risk associated with this vulnerability.
- This strategy assumes you have the ability to identify and patch systems effectively. If not, consider engaging with security consultants for assistance.
- Regularly review and update this strategy as new information becomes available.
By following this remediation/mitigation strategy, you can significantly reduce the risk of CVE-2025-27363 being exploited on your systems. Remember, patching is the most effective solution and should be prioritized.
Assigner
- Facebook, Inc. [email protected]
Date
- Published Date: 2025-03-11 13:28:32
- Updated Date: 2025-03-11 14:15:25