CVE-2025-62231 is a vulnerability identified in the X.Org X server’s X Keyboard (Xkb) extension, specifically within the XkbSetCompatMap() function. The issue arises from improper bounds checking on input data, which can cause an unsigned short integer overflow or wraparound. This overflow leads to incorrect calculations of internal values, resulting in memory corruption or a server crash. The vulnerability affects Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, a widely used enterprise Linux distribution. The flaw can be triggered by an attacker with local privileges who sends specially crafted input to the X server, exploiting the Xkb extension. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.3 reflects a high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), low integrity impact (I:L), and high availability impact (A:H). While no public exploits are known, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for memory corruption, which could be leveraged for denial of service or information disclosure. The X.Org X server is a critical component for graphical environments on Linux systems, making this vulnerability relevant for systems relying on graphical user interfaces. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate attention to access controls and monitoring.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to denial of service conditions or unauthorized information disclosure on systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 with the X.Org X server. Organizations relying on graphical Linux environments, such as development, research, or enterprise IT departments, may face operational disruptions. Confidentiality impact is high, meaning sensitive data processed or displayed via the X server could be exposed. Availability impact is also high, as exploitation can crash the X server, potentially disrupting user sessions and dependent services. Integrity impact is low but still present. The requirement for local privileges limits remote exploitation but insider threats or compromised accounts could leverage this flaw. Given Red Hat's strong presence in European enterprise and public sectors, especially in countries with large IT infrastructures, the vulnerability could affect critical systems if not mitigated promptly. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as exploit development could follow disclosure.

1. Apply official patches from Red Hat as soon as they become available to address the integer overflow in the Xkb extension. 2. Until patches are released, restrict access to the X.Org X server interfaces to trusted users only, using access control mechanisms such as SELinux policies or Linux user permissions. 3. Disable or limit the use of the X Keyboard extension if feasible, especially on systems where graphical interfaces are not essential. 4. Monitor system logs and user activity for unusual or unauthorized attempts to interact with the X server or related components. 5. Implement strict privilege management to minimize the number of users with local access rights capable of exploiting this vulnerability. 6. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Educate system administrators and users about the risk and signs of exploitation to enhance early detection. 8. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 to limit lateral movement in case of compromise.