CVE-2024-25176 identifies a critical stack-buffer-overflow vulnerability in LuaJIT, a Just-In-Time compiler for the Lua programming language widely used to improve performance in embedded scripting environments. The vulnerability exists in the lj_strfmt_wfnum function within the lj_strfmt_num.c source file, which is responsible for formatting numeric strings. The flaw allows an attacker to overflow the stack buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects LuaJIT versions through 2.1 and OpenRusty luajit2 versions prior to v2.1-20240626. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects its critical nature, with attack vector being network (AV:N), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability all rated high (C:H/I:H/A:H). This means an attacker can exploit the vulnerability remotely without authentication or user interaction, leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow), a common and dangerous class of memory corruption bugs. No patches or exploit code are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability is reserved and published by MITRE, indicating recognition and urgency. Systems embedding LuaJIT for scripting, including web servers, game engines, and IoT devices, are at risk if they use vulnerable versions. Attackers could leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests a window for proactive mitigation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-25176 is substantial due to the critical severity and ease of exploitation. Organizations using LuaJIT in their software stacks—such as those in telecommunications, industrial automation, gaming, and embedded systems—could face remote code execution attacks leading to data breaches, service disruption, or full system takeover. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers may access sensitive data; integrity is compromised through potential unauthorized code execution; availability may be affected by crashes or denial-of-service conditions. Given the network attack vector and no requirement for authentication or user interaction, attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely and at scale. This could lead to supply chain risks if LuaJIT is embedded in third-party software widely used across European enterprises. The vulnerability also poses risks to critical infrastructure sectors that rely on embedded scripting for automation and control. The absence of known exploits currently provides an opportunity for European organizations to mitigate before widespread exploitation occurs.

European organizations should immediately inventory all software and systems using LuaJIT or OpenRusty luajit2 to identify vulnerable versions. They must prioritize upgrading to LuaJIT versions later than 2.1-20240626 or applying any vendor patches as soon as they become available. In the absence of official patches, organizations should consider applying temporary mitigations such as disabling or restricting LuaJIT usage in exposed network-facing applications. Implementing strict network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to systems running LuaJIT can reduce exposure. Employ runtime application self-protection (RASP) or exploit mitigation technologies like stack canaries, ASLR, and DEP to hinder exploitation attempts. Continuous monitoring for anomalous behavior or crashes related to LuaJIT processes is critical for early detection. Security teams should update intrusion detection and prevention systems with signatures targeting this vulnerability once available. Additionally, organizations should engage with software vendors and developers to ensure timely updates and communicate the urgency of patching. Conducting penetration testing focused on LuaJIT components can help validate the effectiveness of mitigations.