CVE-2025-55078 is a vulnerability identified in the Eclipse Foundation's ThreadX real-time operating system (RTOS) versions prior to 6.4.3. The issue stems from improper handling of parameters, specifically pointers passed to certain system calls. Although the system calls perform pointer checks, these checks fail to verify whether the pointer references memory outside the module's allocated memory region. An attacker with low-level privileges can exploit this by providing a pointer to a reserved or unmapped memory region, causing the system to dereference invalid memory and crash, resulting in a denial of service (DoS). This vulnerability is classified under CWE-233, which relates to improper handling of parameters leading to resource exhaustion or crashes. The attack vector requires local access with low privileges but does not require user interaction. The vulnerability impacts the availability of systems running ThreadX, which is widely used in embedded systems and IoT devices across various sectors including industrial control, automotive, and consumer electronics. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the flaw's nature makes it a potential target for attackers aiming to disrupt critical systems. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.7, reflecting medium severity due to the limited attack vector and requirement for local access, but significant impact on availability. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix may be forthcoming or in development. Organizations using ThreadX should monitor for updates and prepare to apply patches promptly.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-55078 is the potential for denial of service in embedded and IoT devices running vulnerable versions of ThreadX. This can disrupt critical industrial processes, automotive systems, healthcare devices, and consumer electronics, leading to operational downtime and safety risks. Industries such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, and healthcare in Europe heavily rely on embedded systems, making them susceptible to service interruptions. The vulnerability could be exploited to cause system crashes, potentially halting production lines or impairing medical devices, which may have severe safety and financial consequences. Additionally, disruption in IoT infrastructure could affect smart city deployments and critical infrastructure management. Although exploitation requires local access, insider threats or attackers gaining initial footholds through other means could leverage this vulnerability to escalate disruption. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as patches are not yet publicly available. Therefore, European organizations must prioritize mitigation to maintain system availability and safety.

1. Upgrade to Eclipse ThreadX version 6.4.3 or later as soon as the patch is officially released to address this vulnerability. 2. Until patches are applied, restrict local access to devices running ThreadX by enforcing strict physical and network access controls, including segmentation and device hardening. 3. Implement runtime memory protection mechanisms where possible to detect and prevent invalid pointer dereferencing. 4. Conduct thorough code reviews and static analysis on custom ThreadX-based applications to identify and remediate unsafe pointer usage. 5. Monitor system logs and device behavior for signs of crashes or abnormal memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Employ intrusion detection systems tailored for embedded environments to detect anomalous local activities. 7. Collaborate with device manufacturers and vendors to ensure timely updates and vulnerability disclosures. 8. Develop incident response plans specific to embedded system failures to minimize downtime and safety risks. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, proactive monitoring, and collaboration with vendors, which are critical in embedded and IoT contexts.