CVE-2025-47869 is a buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Apache NuttX Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), specifically within the example XMLRPC application provided in versions prior to 12.9.0, including version 6.22. The vulnerability arises due to improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer (CWE-119). In the affected example application, a device statistics structure that stores parameters received remotely has a hardcoded buffer size that is insufficient to safely contain the input data. This misconfiguration can lead to a buffer overflow when the application updates structure member buffers without proper bounds checking. The fix introduced in release 12.9.0 adjusts the buffer sizes to the valid size defined by CONFIG_XMLRPC_STRINGSIZE+1, mitigating the overflow risk. Since the vulnerability is in an example application, it primarily affects users who have based their own code on this example or directly use the XMLRPC application in NuttX RTOS versions before 12.9.0. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability's root cause is a classic memory safety issue common in low-level embedded systems programming, which can lead to memory corruption, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution or system crashes depending on the exploit context and system configuration.

For European organizations using Apache NuttX RTOS, particularly those deploying embedded systems or IoT devices that incorporate the XMLRPC example application or derivatives thereof, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service by crashing the affected device, impacting system availability and integrity. Given that NuttX is often used in safety-critical and industrial control environments, such as automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing sectors, successful exploitation could disrupt operational technology systems. Confidentiality impact is lower unless the attacker leverages the overflow to escalate privileges or pivot within the network. The risk is amplified in environments where devices are exposed to remote inputs or untrusted networks. Since the vulnerability requires the device to process remotely provided parameters, systems with network-facing XMLRPC services are particularly at risk. The absence of known exploits suggests limited current threat activity, but the vulnerability's nature and potential impact warrant proactive mitigation to prevent future exploitation.

European organizations should conduct a thorough audit of their Apache NuttX RTOS deployments to identify any use of the XMLRPC example application or custom code derived from it, especially in versions prior to 12.9.0. Specific mitigation steps include: 1) Upgrade to Apache NuttX RTOS version 12.9.0 or later, where the buffer size issue is corrected. 2) If immediate upgrade is not feasible, manually review and adjust buffer sizes in the device stats structure to at least CONFIG_XMLRPC_STRINGSIZE+1 to prevent overflow. 3) Implement strict input validation and bounds checking on all remotely received parameters within the XMLRPC interface. 4) Employ runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization (ASLR), and memory protection units (MPUs) where supported by the hardware to mitigate exploitation impact. 5) Limit network exposure of devices running vulnerable code by enforcing network segmentation, firewall rules, and access controls to reduce attack surface. 6) Monitor device logs and network traffic for anomalous activity indicative of attempted exploitation. 7) Engage with device manufacturers or software vendors to confirm patch status and request updates if necessary. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific vulnerable component and operational context of Apache NuttX RTOS deployments.