CVE-2025-61663: Expired Pointer Dereference in GNU grub2
A vulnerability has been identified in the GRUB2 bootloader's normal command that poses an immediate Denial of Service (DoS) risk. This flaw is a Use-after-Free issue, caused because the normal command is not properly unregistered when the module is unloaded. An attacker who can execute this command can force the system to access memory locations that are no longer valid. Successful exploitation leads directly to system instability, which can result in a complete crash and halt system availability. Impact on the data integrity and confidentiality is also not discarded.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The GRUB2 bootloader contains a use-after-free vulnerability in its normal command implementation. When the module containing this command is unloaded, the command is not properly unregistered, resulting in a dangling pointer. An attacker able to execute the normal command can cause the system to access invalid memory locations, leading to system crashes and denial of service. The vulnerability affects version 0 of grub2 as reported. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates local attack vector, high attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, and low impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are reported in the wild. The Red Hat advisory is available but does not explicitly state patch availability or remediation details.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation causes system instability and denial of service by crashing the system. There is also a potential, though not confirmed, impact on data confidentiality and integrity. The attack requires local access and has high complexity, limiting ease of exploitation.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory at https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2025-61663 for current remediation guidance. Until a patch or official fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users only to reduce risk. Monitor vendor communications for updates on fixes or workarounds.
CVE-2025-61663: Expired Pointer Dereference in GNU grub2
Description
A vulnerability has been identified in the GRUB2 bootloader's normal command that poses an immediate Denial of Service (DoS) risk. This flaw is a Use-after-Free issue, caused because the normal command is not properly unregistered when the module is unloaded. An attacker who can execute this command can force the system to access memory locations that are no longer valid. Successful exploitation leads directly to system instability, which can result in a complete crash and halt system availability. Impact on the data integrity and confidentiality is also not discarded.
CVSS v3.1
Score 4.9medium
Affected software
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The GRUB2 bootloader contains a use-after-free vulnerability in its normal command implementation. When the module containing this command is unloaded, the command is not properly unregistered, resulting in a dangling pointer. An attacker able to execute the normal command can cause the system to access invalid memory locations, leading to system crashes and denial of service. The vulnerability affects version 0 of grub2 as reported. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates local attack vector, high attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, and low impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are reported in the wild. The Red Hat advisory is available but does not explicitly state patch availability or remediation details.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation causes system instability and denial of service by crashing the system. There is also a potential, though not confirmed, impact on data confidentiality and integrity. The attack requires local access and has high complexity, limiting ease of exploitation.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory at https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2025-61663 for current remediation guidance. Until a patch or official fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users only to reduce risk. Monitor vendor communications for updates on fixes or workarounds.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- redhat
- Date Reserved
- 2025-09-29T20:18:48.975Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2025-61663","vendor":"Red Hat"}]
Threat ID: 691cbabbfcab56a016d7f809
Added to database: 11/18/2025, 18:28:11 UTC
Last enriched: 07/02/2026, 22:04:32 UTC
Last updated: 09/10/2026, 19:36:51 UTC
Views: 197
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