CVE-2025-25215 is an arbitrary free vulnerability classified under CWE-763 (Release of Invalid Pointer or Reference) found in the cv_close functionality of Dell ControlVault3 and ControlVault3 Plus firmware versions prior to 5.15.10.14 and 6.2.26.36 respectively. ControlVault is a hardware-based security module embedded in Dell systems, often utilizing Broadcom BCM5820X chips, responsible for cryptographic operations, secure key storage, and authentication processes. The vulnerability arises when a specially crafted API call to the ControlVault interface allows an attacker to forge a fake session and trigger an arbitrary free operation on memory. This improper memory management can lead to use-after-free conditions, memory corruption, and potentially arbitrary code execution within the privileged firmware context. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 reflects a high-severity issue with local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and with a scope change (S:C) that impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the critical role of ControlVault in system security. Exploitation could allow attackers to bypass hardware security protections, extract sensitive cryptographic keys, or disrupt device operations. The vulnerability affects embedded firmware components, making detection and mitigation challenging without vendor patches. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates heightened vigilance and interim protective measures.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-25215 is substantial, particularly for enterprises and government agencies relying on Dell hardware with Broadcom BCM5820X components. Successful exploitation could compromise hardware-based security modules, undermining device authentication, secure boot processes, and cryptographic key protection. This could lead to unauthorized data access, persistent malware implantation, and disruption of critical services. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure are especially vulnerable due to their reliance on secure hardware. The vulnerability's ability to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability simultaneously raises the risk of severe operational and reputational damage. Additionally, the local privilege requirement means insider threats or attackers who have gained limited system access could escalate their control. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the potential for future exploitation remains high. European organizations must prioritize patching and access controls to prevent exploitation.

1. Monitor Dell and Broadcom advisories closely for official firmware updates addressing CVE-2025-25215 and apply patches immediately upon release. 2. Restrict local access to systems with affected ControlVault firmware to trusted administrators only, minimizing the risk of privilege escalation. 3. Implement strict endpoint security controls to detect and prevent unauthorized API calls or unusual ControlVault interactions. 4. Employ hardware inventory and asset management to identify devices with Broadcom BCM5820X and Dell ControlVault3 components for targeted remediation. 5. Use application whitelisting and behavior monitoring to detect anomalous processes attempting to interact with ControlVault APIs. 6. Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests focusing on local privilege escalation vectors. 7. Educate system administrators about the risks of forged sessions and arbitrary free vulnerabilities to enhance detection capabilities. 8. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical systems with affected hardware from less secure environments. 9. Maintain comprehensive logging of ControlVault API usage to facilitate forensic analysis if exploitation is suspected. 10. Collaborate with Dell support for guidance on interim mitigations if patches are delayed.