CVE-2025-50360 identifies a heap buffer overflow vulnerability within the Pepper language compiler, specifically in the source files compiler.c and compiler.h of version 0.1.1 (commit 961a5d9988c5986d563310275adad3fd181b2bb7). The vulnerability arises when the compiler processes a maliciously crafted Pepper source file (.pr), which can trigger a heap overflow condition. This memory corruption can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution, allowing an attacker to run malicious code with the privileges of the compiler process. Alternatively, exploitation can cause a denial of service (DoS) by crashing the compiler. The vulnerability is significant because it affects the compilation phase, a critical step in software development and deployment pipelines. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and there are no known exploits in the wild, indicating it may be newly discovered or not yet weaponized. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix is not publicly available at this time. The vulnerability requires the attacker to supply a malicious Pepper source file to the compiler, which may require some level of access to the build environment or tricking developers into compiling untrusted code. The heap overflow nature of the flaw means that exploitation complexity depends on the compiler's memory management and protections in place. Given the potential for arbitrary code execution, the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is substantial if exploited.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-50360 can be severe, especially for those involved in software development using the Pepper language or integrating it into their toolchains. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution within build environments, potentially compromising source code integrity, injecting malicious code into software products, or disrupting development operations through denial of service. This could cascade into supply chain risks if compromised builds are distributed. Organizations with automated build systems or continuous integration pipelines that process Pepper source files are particularly at risk. The vulnerability could also be leveraged to gain footholds within internal networks if attackers can execute code remotely or via social engineering to introduce malicious source files. The lack of known exploits currently limits immediate risk, but the potential for future weaponization necessitates proactive measures. Confidentiality breaches could expose proprietary code, while integrity violations could undermine software trustworthiness. Availability impacts could delay development and deployment cycles.

To mitigate CVE-2025-50360, organizations should first monitor for updates or patches from the Pepper language maintainers and apply them promptly once available. Until a patch is released, restrict the execution of Pepper compiler processes to trusted users and environments only. Implement strict validation and sanitization of all Pepper source files before compilation, especially those originating from external or untrusted sources. Employ runtime memory protection mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) on build servers to reduce exploitation success. Isolate build environments using containerization or virtual machines to limit potential damage from exploitation. Incorporate static and dynamic analysis tools to detect malformed source files or unusual compiler behavior. Educate developers about the risks of compiling untrusted code and enforce code review policies. Regularly audit build logs for anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. Finally, consider network segmentation to protect build infrastructure from external access.