CVE-2025-48005 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the RHS2000 file parsing functionality of The Biosig Project's libbiosig library, specifically affecting version 3.9.0 and the Master Branch commit 35a819fa. The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of input data when parsing RHS2000 files, allowing an attacker to craft a malicious file that triggers a buffer overflow on the heap. This overflow can overwrite critical memory structures, enabling arbitrary code execution within the context of the vulnerable application. The flaw requires no privileges or user interaction, making remote exploitation feasible if the application processes untrusted RHS2000 files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-122, which pertains to heap-based buffer overflows, a common and dangerous class of memory corruption bugs. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with the ease of exploitation (network vector, no privileges, no user interaction). Although no public exploits are known at this time, the critical severity demands urgent attention. Libbiosig is used primarily in biosignal processing applications, including medical devices, research tools, and biometric systems, which may process RHS2000 formatted data. Exploitation could lead to system compromise, data breaches, or disruption of critical services. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates interim mitigations such as input validation, sandboxing, and restricting file sources. Monitoring for suspicious RHS2000 files and applying defense-in-depth strategies are essential to reduce risk until official fixes are released.

The impact of CVE-2025-48005 on European organizations can be severe, particularly for those in healthcare, biomedical research, and biometric security sectors that utilize libbiosig for processing biosignal data. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, steal sensitive patient or biometric data, disrupt medical device functionality, or manipulate research outcomes. This could result in violations of GDPR due to data breaches, regulatory penalties, and loss of trust. Additionally, critical infrastructure relying on biosignal analysis could face operational disruptions. The vulnerability’s network-exploitable nature means attackers could remotely target vulnerable systems by delivering malicious RHS2000 files, increasing the attack surface. Given the criticality of medical and biometric data in Europe, the threat poses a high risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. Organizations may also face reputational damage and financial losses if exploited. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high CVSS score underscores the urgency for mitigation.

1. Immediately audit all systems and applications that utilize libbiosig, especially versions 3.9.0 and the specified Master Branch, to identify exposure to RHS2000 file parsing. 2. Until official patches are released, implement strict input validation to reject or quarantine untrusted RHS2000 files before processing. 3. Employ sandboxing or containerization techniques to isolate the parsing process, limiting the potential impact of exploitation. 4. Restrict network and user access to systems that process RHS2000 files to trusted sources only, reducing the risk of malicious file delivery. 5. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual activity related to RHS2000 file handling or unexpected process behavior. 6. Engage with The Biosig Project and relevant vendors to track patch availability and apply updates promptly once released. 7. Conduct security awareness training for staff handling biosignal data to recognize and report suspicious files. 8. Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect exploitation attempts. 9. Review and enhance backup and incident response plans to prepare for potential compromise scenarios. 10. Collaborate with industry peers and information sharing organizations to stay informed about emerging threats related to this vulnerability.