The vulnerability CVE-2025-5914 exists in the libarchive library's archive_read_format_rar_seek_data() function, where an integer overflow leads to a double-free condition. This double-free can cause memory corruption, which may be exploited to execute arbitrary code or trigger a denial-of-service. The flaw impacts libarchive versions =0, >=8.0.0 <=8.10, and >=9.0.0 <=9.8. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 and 9 distributions are affected, with security advisories RHSA-2025:14130 and RHSA-2025:14135 providing patches and mitigation details. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8 (High), reflecting local attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to memory corruption through a double-free condition, enabling an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.

Red Hat has released official security updates for affected versions of libarchive in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 and 9. Users should apply these updates promptly by following the guidance in Red Hat advisories RHSA-2025:14130 and RHSA-2025:14135 and the update instructions at https://access.redhat.com/articles/11258. Applying these patches mitigates the vulnerability. No additional action is required beyond applying the official fixes.