CVE-2025-55098 identifies a vulnerability classified as CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) in the USBX component of the Eclipse Foundation's ThreadX real-time operating system. USBX provides USB host and device support for embedded systems. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 6.4.3 within the function _ux_host_class_audio_device_type_get(), which is responsible for parsing descriptors from USB audio devices. An out-of-bounds read occurs when the function improperly handles the descriptor data, potentially reading memory beyond the allocated buffer. This can lead to unintended disclosure of memory contents or cause application instability or crashes. The vulnerability requires physical access to connect a malicious USB audio device to the host system, and exploitation complexity is high due to the need for crafting specific USB descriptors. The CVSS v4.0 score is 1.0, reflecting low severity with partial impact on integrity and availability but no impact on confidentiality, and no privileges or user interaction required. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The vulnerability affects embedded systems using USBX for USB audio device support, commonly found in IoT devices, industrial controllers, and other ThreadX-based platforms. Since USBX is widely used in embedded environments, the vulnerability could impact a range of devices that process USB audio peripherals. However, the limited impact and exploitation complexity reduce the immediate risk. The Eclipse Foundation has released version 6.4.3 to address this issue, though no direct patch links are provided in the data. Organizations using affected versions should prioritize upgrading to mitigate potential risks. Additionally, enforcing USB device authentication and restricting unauthorized USB device connections can further reduce exposure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-55098 is generally low but not negligible. Embedded systems and IoT devices running ThreadX with USBX are prevalent in industrial automation, manufacturing, healthcare devices, and critical infrastructure sectors. An attacker with physical access could exploit this vulnerability by connecting a specially crafted USB audio device to cause out-of-bounds reads, potentially leading to information disclosure or system instability. While the vulnerability does not allow remote exploitation or privilege escalation, it could be leveraged as part of a multi-stage attack in environments where physical security is weak. Disruption or data leakage in industrial control systems or medical devices could have operational consequences. European organizations with extensive use of embedded systems in critical sectors should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments. The lack of known exploits and the high complexity of attack reduce the immediate threat, but the potential for targeted attacks in sensitive environments remains. Failure to patch could expose organizations to supply chain or insider threats leveraging USB device attacks. Overall, the impact is contained but relevant for sectors relying on USBX-enabled embedded devices.

1. Upgrade USBX to version 6.4.3 or later immediately to apply the official fix for the out-of-bounds read vulnerability. 2. Implement strict USB device control policies, including whitelisting authorized USB devices and disabling unused USB ports on embedded and industrial systems. 3. Employ USB device authentication mechanisms where possible to prevent unauthorized or malicious USB peripherals from connecting. 4. Conduct physical security audits to restrict unauthorized access to systems that could be targeted via USB connections. 5. Monitor system logs and USB device connection events for unusual activity indicative of attempted exploitation. 6. For critical embedded systems, consider network segmentation and isolation to limit the impact of any device compromise. 7. Collaborate with device manufacturers and vendors to ensure timely firmware updates and vulnerability disclosures. 8. Educate operational technology (OT) personnel about USB-based attack vectors and enforce strict change management for peripheral devices. These measures go beyond generic patching by addressing physical and operational controls specific to embedded and industrial environments.