CVE-2025-14905 identifies a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Red Hat Directory Server 11, specifically within the schema_attr_enum_callback function located in the schema.c source file. The vulnerability stems from improper calculation of buffer size when concatenating alias strings. The code sums the lengths of alias strings but neglects to account for additional formatting characters required in the buffer, such as separators or null terminators. When processing a large number of aliases, this miscalculation causes the allocated buffer to be undersized, leading to a heap overflow condition. Heap overflows can corrupt adjacent memory, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely or cause a denial of service by crashing the server. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without user interaction but requires the attacker to have high privileges on the system, likely meaning authenticated access with elevated rights. The vulnerability affects Red Hat Directory Server 11, a widely used LDAP server in enterprise environments for directory services. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.2, reflecting high severity due to the potential for remote code execution and denial of service, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and no user interaction required. No public exploits are currently known, but the flaw’s nature makes it a significant risk if weaponized. The vulnerability was reserved in December 2025 and published in February 2026, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No patches or mitigation links are provided in the data, suggesting organizations should monitor Red Hat advisories closely for updates. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of directory services, which are critical for authentication and authorization in many enterprise systems.

The impact of CVE-2025-14905 is substantial for organizations relying on Red Hat Directory Server 11 for LDAP directory services. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain control over the directory server, which is often a critical component in identity and access management infrastructure. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive user data, manipulation of directory entries, and disruption of authentication services. Additionally, denial of service attacks can render directory services unavailable, impacting dependent applications and services across the enterprise. Given the directory server’s role in centralized authentication, compromise could cascade to multiple systems, increasing the attack surface and potential damage. The requirement for high privileges limits exploitation to attackers with some level of access, but insider threats or compromised credentials could facilitate this. The lack of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability’s characteristics make it a prime target for future exploitation, especially in environments with high-value targets such as government, finance, and critical infrastructure sectors.

Organizations should immediately audit their use of Red Hat Directory Server 11 and plan to apply official patches from Red Hat as soon as they become available. In the interim, administrators should restrict access to the directory server to trusted and authenticated users only, minimizing exposure to potential attackers. Implement strict input validation and limit the number of aliases processed to reduce the risk of triggering the overflow. Employ runtime protections such as heap memory protection mechanisms (e.g., ASLR, heap canaries) and monitor logs for unusual activity or crashes related to schema processing. Network segmentation and firewall rules should limit access to the directory server ports to only necessary systems. Regularly review and rotate privileged credentials to reduce the risk of privilege escalation. Consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of detecting anomalous LDAP traffic patterns. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups of directory data to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise or service disruption.