CVE-2025-5915 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the libarchive library used within Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10. The flaw arises when the size of a filter block exceeds the Lempel-Ziv-Storer-Schieber (LZSS) compression window, causing the library to read beyond the allocated heap buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds read can lead to unpredictable program behavior, including application crashes resulting in denial of service (DoS) conditions or the potential disclosure of sensitive information from adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability is triggered during the decompression or processing of archive files handled by libarchive, a widely used library for reading and writing various archive formats. Exploitation requires local access with low privileges and some user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R). The vulnerability does not allow for integrity compromise but may impact confidentiality and availability to a limited extent. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The CVSS score is 3.9, reflecting a low severity level due to limited impact and exploitation complexity. However, the vulnerability's presence in a core system library used for archive handling means it could be leveraged in targeted attacks or combined with other vulnerabilities for more severe consequences.

For European organizations utilizing Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, this vulnerability could lead to localized denial of service conditions if maliciously crafted archive files are processed, potentially disrupting critical services or automated workflows that rely on archive extraction. The possibility of sensitive information disclosure, although limited, poses a risk to confidentiality, especially if sensitive data resides in memory adjacent to the overflowed buffer. Organizations handling sensitive or regulated data should be cautious, as even low-severity leaks can have compliance implications under regulations like GDPR. The requirement for local access and user interaction reduces the risk of widespread remote exploitation but does not eliminate insider threat scenarios or attacks via social engineering. Industries with heavy reliance on Linux servers for data processing, such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, may face operational risks if this vulnerability is exploited. Additionally, automated systems that process untrusted archives could be disrupted, impacting business continuity.

Organizations should proactively monitor Red Hat advisories for patches addressing CVE-2025-5915 and apply updates promptly once available. In the interim, restrict local user permissions to limit the ability to execute or process untrusted archive files. Implement strict controls on the sources of archive files, employing file integrity monitoring and scanning archives for anomalies before processing. Consider disabling or limiting the use of libarchive-based tools in environments where archive processing is not essential. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to contain the impact of potential crashes or data leaks. Additionally, enhance user awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that could trigger user interaction required for exploitation. Regularly audit systems for unusual crashes or memory access errors that might indicate attempted exploitation.