CVE-2025-55085 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability identified in the HTTP client module of Eclipse Foundation's NetX Duo, a real-time network stack commonly used in embedded systems and IoT devices. The vulnerability stems from the absence of bounds checking during the parsing of HTTP header fields in versions prior to 6.4.4. Specifically, when the HTTP client processes a crafted server response containing malformed or maliciously constructed headers, it may read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This undefined behavior can lead to information leakage, application crashes, or potentially facilitate further exploitation such as remote code execution depending on the memory layout and usage. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring any authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS 4.0 score of 8.8 reflects the ease of exploitation (network vector, no privileges or user interaction needed) and the high impact on confidentiality and integrity. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability affects a widely used network stack in embedded environments, which are often part of critical infrastructure or industrial control systems. The lack of patch links suggests that users must monitor Eclipse Foundation advisories for the official fix in version 6.4.4 or later. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) and CWE-1286 (Improper Input Validation), highlighting the root cause as insufficient validation of external input data during HTTP header parsing.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-55085 can be significant, particularly for those operating embedded systems, industrial control systems, or IoT devices that incorporate NetX Duo. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information residing in memory, destabilization of critical networked devices, or denial of service conditions. This is especially concerning for sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and healthcare, where embedded devices are integral to operational technology (OT) environments. Given the remote exploitability without authentication, attackers could leverage this vulnerability to infiltrate networks or disrupt services. The undefined behavior caused by out-of-bounds reads might also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, including privilege escalation or remote code execution, depending on the device architecture and memory protections. European organizations with stringent regulatory requirements for cybersecurity and data protection may face compliance risks if vulnerable devices are exploited. Additionally, the interconnected nature of critical infrastructure in Europe amplifies the potential cascading effects of such vulnerabilities.

To mitigate CVE-2025-55085, organizations should promptly update all affected NetX Duo instances to version 6.4.4 or later once the patch is available. Until then, implement network-level protections such as deep packet inspection and anomaly detection to identify and block suspicious HTTP responses with malformed headers. Employ strict input validation and sanitization on all HTTP traffic entering embedded devices. Segregate networks hosting vulnerable devices to limit exposure to untrusted sources, and apply firewall rules to restrict outbound and inbound HTTP traffic to known safe endpoints. Conduct thorough inventory and asset management to identify all devices running NetX Duo and prioritize remediation accordingly. Engage with device vendors and suppliers to confirm patch availability and deployment timelines. Additionally, monitor security advisories from the Eclipse Foundation and related communities for updates or exploit reports. For critical infrastructure, consider deploying intrusion detection systems tailored to detect exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability.