CVE-2025-62230 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in the X.Org X server’s X Keyboard (Xkb) extension on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10. The issue arises during client resource cleanup when the software frees certain data structures without properly detaching associated resources. This improper cleanup leads to a use-after-free condition, which can cause memory corruption or crashes when affected clients disconnect from the X server. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges (AV:L, PR:L), does not require user interaction (UI:N), and affects confidentiality (C:H), integrity (I:L), and availability (A:H). The flaw could be exploited by a local attacker to cause denial of service via crashes or potentially leak sensitive information through memory corruption. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the vulnerability presents a significant risk in environments where untrusted local users have access. The X server is a critical component for graphical user interfaces on Linux systems, and this vulnerability could impact any application relying on Xkb extension for keyboard input. The vulnerability was published on October 30, 2025, with a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.3, indicating high severity. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting necessitates immediate attention to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 with graphical environments using the X.Org X server. The potential impacts include denial of service through crashes, which can disrupt business operations, and possible information disclosure due to memory corruption. Organizations with multi-user environments or those allowing local user access are particularly vulnerable. Critical infrastructure sectors such as finance, government, and manufacturing that rely on Red Hat Enterprise Linux for workstation or server environments could face operational disruptions. The confidentiality impact is high because memory corruption might expose sensitive data, while availability impact is also high due to potential crashes. Integrity impact is lower but still present. Since exploitation requires local access, remote attacks are unlikely, but insider threats or compromised local accounts increase risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate future risk, making proactive mitigation essential.

1. Apply official patches from Red Hat as soon as they become available to address the use-after-free condition in the Xkb extension. 2. Restrict local access to systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, especially limiting untrusted or non-administrative user accounts. 3. Employ strict access controls and monitoring to detect unusual client disconnections or crashes related to the X server. 4. Consider disabling the X Keyboard (Xkb) extension if it is not required for operational purposes to reduce attack surface. 5. Use containerization or sandboxing techniques for applications requiring local user access to isolate potential exploitation. 6. Regularly audit and update system software and dependencies to minimize exposure to similar vulnerabilities. 7. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify exploitation attempts or anomalous behavior. 8. Educate local users about the risks of executing untrusted code or scripts that could trigger the vulnerability.