CVE-2025-14569 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in the ggml-org whisper.cpp project, specifically affecting versions 1.8.0 through 1.8.2. The vulnerability resides in the read_audio_data function within the /whisper.cpp/examples/common-whisper.cpp file. Use-after-free occurs when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior such as memory corruption, crashes, or potential code execution. In this case, the vulnerability requires local access with low privileges, meaning an attacker must have some level of access to the system to trigger the flaw. No user interaction is needed beyond executing or influencing the vulnerable function. The CVSS 4.8 score reflects a medium severity, considering the limited attack vector (local), low complexity, and no requirement for user interaction. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent due to potential memory corruption. The exploit code has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of exploitation, although no active exploitation has been reported yet. The vendor has been informed but has not issued a patch or response, leaving users exposed. This vulnerability is relevant for applications or systems that incorporate whisper.cpp for audio data processing, particularly in AI or speech recognition contexts.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-14569 depends on their use of whisper.cpp in local environments. Organizations leveraging whisper.cpp for speech recognition, transcription, or AI audio processing may face risks of application instability, crashes, or data corruption. While the vulnerability requires local access, it could be exploited by malicious insiders or through compromised user accounts to disrupt services or potentially escalate privileges if combined with other vulnerabilities. The medium severity suggests limited direct impact on confidentiality but a tangible risk to integrity and availability of affected applications. Industries such as telecommunications, media, AI research, and any sector integrating whisper.cpp into their software stacks are particularly vulnerable. The lack of vendor response and patch increases exposure duration, raising the risk of exploitation in environments where local user access is possible. European organizations with strict data protection regulations must consider the potential for service disruption and data integrity issues caused by this vulnerability.

To mitigate CVE-2025-14569, European organizations should first identify all systems running affected versions (1.8.0 to 1.8.2) of whisper.cpp. Since no official patch is available, organizations should consider the following specific actions: 1) Restrict local access to systems running whisper.cpp to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 2) Employ application sandboxing or containerization to isolate whisper.cpp processes, limiting the impact of potential memory corruption. 3) Monitor system logs and application behavior for signs of crashes or unusual activity related to whisper.cpp. 4) If feasible, replace or upgrade whisper.cpp with a version that addresses the vulnerability once released or apply community patches if available and verified. 5) Implement strict privilege separation and least privilege principles to reduce the attack surface for local users. 6) Conduct internal audits and penetration tests focusing on local privilege escalation vectors involving whisper.cpp. 7) Maintain up-to-date backups and recovery plans to mitigate availability impacts from potential crashes or exploitation attempts. These targeted mitigations go beyond generic advice by focusing on local access control, process isolation, and proactive monitoring specific to the nature of this vulnerability.