CVE-2025-60751 is a buffer overflow vulnerability identified in GeographicLib version 2.5, specifically within the GeoConvert DMS::InternalDecode function. GeographicLib is a C++ library widely used for geographic coordinate conversions, including transforming degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS) formats into decimal degrees and other coordinate representations. The vulnerability arises due to improper bounds checking or insufficient validation of input data within the InternalDecode function, which processes DMS strings. An attacker supplying a specially crafted DMS input string can trigger a buffer overflow, potentially overwriting adjacent memory. This memory corruption could lead to arbitrary code execution, application crashes, or denial of service conditions. Although no public exploits or proof-of-concept codes have been reported yet, the nature of buffer overflows makes this a serious concern. The vulnerability was reserved on September 26, 2025, and published on October 21, 2025, but no CVSS score or patch links are currently available, indicating that fixes may still be in development or pending release. GeographicLib is integrated into various geospatial applications, navigation systems, and mapping tools, which means that software depending on this library could be indirectly vulnerable. The lack of authentication or user interaction requirements for exploitation (assuming the vulnerable function processes external input) increases the risk profile. However, exploitation would require the attacker to supply crafted input to the vulnerable function, which may limit the attack surface depending on deployment context.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-60751 depends largely on the extent to which GeographicLib 2.5 is used within their geospatial or navigation-related software stacks. Potential impacts include unauthorized code execution if exploited, leading to system compromise, data breaches, or disruption of critical services relying on geographic data processing. This could affect sectors such as transportation, logistics, defense, telecommunications, and utilities, where geospatial data accuracy and availability are crucial. Disruption or compromise of mapping and navigation systems could have cascading effects on operational efficiency and safety. Additionally, denial of service conditions caused by crashes could impair service availability. Since GeographicLib is a foundational library, vulnerabilities here can propagate to multiple dependent applications. European organizations with critical infrastructure or government agencies using GeographicLib-based solutions are at heightened risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits once patches are released or if the vulnerability becomes widely known.

1. Inventory and identify all software and systems using GeographicLib version 2.5 or earlier, focusing on those that utilize the GeoConvert DMS::InternalDecode function. 2. Monitor GeographicLib official channels and CVE databases for patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-60751 and apply them promptly once available. 3. Until patches are released, implement input validation and sanitization on all inputs that may be processed by the vulnerable function to prevent malformed DMS strings from triggering the overflow. 4. Employ compiler-based memory safety features such as stack canaries, AddressSanitizer, or Control Flow Integrity (CFI) in development and production builds to detect and mitigate buffer overflows. 5. Use runtime application self-protection (RASP) or intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Conduct code reviews and static analysis on custom software integrating GeographicLib to identify unsafe usage patterns. 7. Limit exposure by restricting access to services that process geographic coordinate inputs from untrusted sources. 8. Prepare incident response plans to quickly address potential exploitation scenarios involving this vulnerability.