CVE-2025-59534 is a high-severity OS command injection vulnerability (CWE-78) found in NASA's CryptoLib software prior to version 1.4.2. CryptoLib implements the CCSDS Space Data Link Security Protocol - Extended Procedures (SDLS-EP) to secure communications between spacecraft running the core Flight System (cFS) and ground stations. The vulnerability exists in the function initialize_kerberos_keytab_file_login(), where user-controlled input is directly interpolated into a shell command executed via the system() call without any sanitization or validation. This improper neutralization of special elements allows an attacker with limited privileges (local access with low privileges) and requiring user interaction to execute arbitrary OS commands with the privileges of the running process. The vulnerability affects versions before 1.4.2 and has been patched in 1.4.2. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.3 (high), reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity but requiring local privileges and user interaction. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary commands, manipulate cryptographic keys, or disrupt secure communications between spacecraft and ground stations, potentially compromising mission-critical operations.

For European organizations involved in space operations, aerospace research, satellite communications, or ground station management, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Compromise of CryptoLib could lead to unauthorized command execution on systems managing spacecraft communications, resulting in data breaches, loss of control over spacecraft, or disruption of critical space missions. Given the strategic importance of space infrastructure in Europe for telecommunications, navigation (e.g., Galileo), and scientific research, exploitation could have severe operational and national security consequences. Additionally, organizations collaborating with NASA or using CryptoLib in their systems could be indirectly affected. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but insider threats or compromised user accounts could still leverage this vulnerability. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability underscores the criticality of timely patching.

1. Immediate upgrade of CryptoLib to version 1.4.2 or later where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Restrict local access to systems running CryptoLib to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of exploitation via local user accounts. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization for any user inputs that interact with system commands, even beyond the patched version, to prevent similar issues. 4. Employ application whitelisting and process monitoring to detect and block unauthorized command executions. 5. Use role-based access controls and least privilege principles to limit the permissions of processes running CryptoLib. 6. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews focusing on command execution patterns. 7. Monitor logs for suspicious activities related to system() calls or unusual command executions. 8. Educate users and administrators about the risks of executing untrusted inputs and the importance of applying security updates promptly.