CVE-2025-4802 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-426 (Untrusted Search Path) affecting the GNU C Library (glibc) versions 2.27 through 2.38. The issue arises from the unsafe handling of the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable in statically compiled setuid binaries that invoke the dlopen function, either directly or indirectly via internal calls such as setlocale or Name Service Switch (NSS) functions like getaddrinfo. Setuid binaries run with elevated privileges, and if they load shared libraries based on an attacker-controlled LD_LIBRARY_PATH, this can lead to loading malicious libraries. This vulnerability allows an attacker with local access to influence the dynamic linking process, potentially executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector local, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction. The scope is unchanged, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the common use of glibc in Linux systems and the critical nature of setuid binaries. The vulnerability was published on May 16, 2025, and no official patches are yet linked, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive mitigation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-4802 can be severe, especially for those running Linux-based systems with glibc versions 2.27 to 2.38. The vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting setuid binaries that load libraries insecurely, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and integrity loss of system operations. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly at risk due to their reliance on secure and stable Linux environments. The vulnerability could be leveraged to bypass security controls, implant persistent malware, or disrupt availability of services. Given the widespread use of glibc across Linux distributions in Europe, the attack surface is broad. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments with multiple users or where attackers have gained initial footholds.

1. Monitor for official patches from glibc maintainers and apply them promptly once available. 2. Audit all setuid binaries on systems to identify those that use dlopen or indirectly call it via functions like setlocale or NSS functions. 3. Restrict or sanitize the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable in contexts where setuid binaries are executed, ensuring it cannot be influenced by untrusted users. 4. Employ mandatory access controls (e.g., SELinux, AppArmor) to limit the ability of unprivileged users to execute or manipulate setuid binaries. 5. Use static analysis tools to detect unsafe dynamic library loading in custom or third-party binaries. 6. Educate system administrators and users about the risks of environment variable manipulation and enforce strict user privilege separation. 7. Consider deploying runtime detection tools that can alert on suspicious dlopen calls or unexpected library loads in setuid processes. 8. For critical systems, implement multi-factor authentication and network segmentation to reduce the risk of local attacker presence.