CVE-2025-1253 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-120 (Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input) and CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow) affecting RTI Connext Professional Core Libraries. The vulnerability arises due to improper validation of input size before copying data into stack buffers, allowing an attacker with limited privileges (local access with low privileges) to overflow stack variables and tags. This can lead to memory corruption, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or data integrity compromise. The affected versions span multiple releases from 4.5c up to 7.4.0, with fixed versions starting from 7.5.0 and several intermediate patches. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.9 (medium severity), reflecting local attack vector, low attack complexity, no user interaction, and no privileges required beyond low-level local access. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or elevated privileges but does require local access, limiting remote exploitation. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The vulnerability impacts the core libraries of RTI Connext Professional, a middleware product widely used in real-time distributed systems, including industrial automation, aerospace, defense, and automotive sectors. Exploitation could disrupt critical communications or control systems relying on RTI Connext Professional middleware, potentially causing system crashes or unauthorized code execution within affected environments.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-1253 could be significant in sectors relying on RTI Connext Professional for real-time data distribution and communication, such as aerospace manufacturers, automotive suppliers, industrial automation companies, and defense contractors. Exploitation could lead to system instability, denial of service, or unauthorized code execution, compromising operational continuity and safety-critical processes. Given the middleware's role in mission-critical systems, successful exploitation could affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and control commands. This may result in production downtime, safety incidents, or leakage of sensitive operational data. The local attack vector reduces the risk of widespread remote exploitation but insider threats or attackers with physical or network access to internal systems could leverage this vulnerability. European organizations with stringent regulatory requirements for safety and data protection (e.g., aviation, automotive safety standards, GDPR) may face compliance risks if this vulnerability is exploited. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but proactive mitigation is essential to prevent future attacks.

1. Immediate patching: Organizations should upgrade RTI Connext Professional to the fixed versions (7.5.0 or later, or the corresponding patched versions for earlier branches) as soon as patches become available. 2. Access control: Restrict local access to systems running RTI Connext Professional middleware to trusted personnel only, using strong authentication and network segmentation to limit exposure. 3. Monitoring and detection: Implement host-based monitoring to detect anomalous behavior or crashes related to RTI Connext processes, and network monitoring for unusual internal traffic patterns. 4. Code auditing: For organizations developing custom extensions or integrations with RTI Connext, conduct thorough code reviews to ensure no additional buffer overflow risks exist. 5. Incident response readiness: Prepare response plans for potential exploitation scenarios, including system isolation and forensic analysis capabilities. 6. Vendor coordination: Maintain communication with RTI for timely updates and advisories related to this vulnerability and related middleware components. 7. Environment hardening: Employ memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, DEP (Data Execution Prevention), and ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) on hosts running the vulnerable software to mitigate exploitation impact.