CVE-2025-48768 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-763 (Release of Invalid Pointer or Reference) found in the Apache NuttX RTOS, specifically in the fs/inode/fs_inoderemove component responsible for root filesystem inode removal. The flaw arises when the system attempts to release an invalid pointer or reference, which can cause a debug assert trigger (though this is disabled by default), a NULL pointer dereference, or generally lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition. This vulnerability affects all Apache NuttX RTOS versions starting from 10.0.0 up to but not including 12.10.0. The root cause is improper handling of inode removal in the filesystem, which can be triggered when filesystem-based services with write access are exposed over the network, such as FTP servers. The impact varies depending on the target architecture, but generally results in system crashes or hangs, leading to service disruption. Since NuttX is commonly used in embedded systems and IoT devices, this vulnerability could affect critical devices in industrial, automotive, or other embedded environments. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have write access to the network-exposed filesystem service. No public exploits are known at this time, but the risk remains significant due to the nature of the flaw. The Apache Software Foundation has addressed this issue in version 12.10.0, and users are advised to upgrade promptly to mitigate the risk.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-48768 is the potential for denial of service on devices running Apache NuttX RTOS with network-exposed writable filesystems. This can disrupt critical embedded systems in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, and telecommunications, where NuttX is often deployed. Disruption of these systems could lead to operational downtime, safety risks, and potential cascading effects on industrial processes. Since the vulnerability can be triggered remotely via network services like FTP, attackers could exploit this to cause outages without physical access. Confidentiality and integrity impacts are limited, as the vulnerability primarily causes availability issues. However, availability disruptions in critical infrastructure can have severe consequences, including financial losses and safety hazards. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time. European organizations with embedded devices running vulnerable NuttX versions should prioritize remediation to avoid potential service interruptions and maintain operational resilience.

1. Upgrade all Apache NuttX RTOS instances to version 12.10.0 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Restrict network exposure of filesystem-based services with write access, such as FTP, by implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access only to trusted hosts. 3. Employ strict access controls and authentication mechanisms on network-exposed services to prevent unauthorized write operations. 4. Monitor network traffic and logs for unusual activity targeting filesystem services, which could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. For embedded devices in critical environments, consider implementing runtime integrity checks and watchdog timers to detect and recover from crashes caused by exploitation. 6. Coordinate with device vendors and suppliers to ensure firmware updates incorporating the patch are applied promptly. 7. Conduct regular security assessments of embedded and IoT devices to identify outdated NuttX versions and vulnerable configurations. 8. Where possible, disable unused network services or restrict them to read-only access to minimize attack surface.