CVE-2025-63647 is a denial-of-service vulnerability identified in the owntone-server, specifically within the parse_meta function located in src/httpd_daap.c. The flaw arises from a NULL pointer dereference triggered when processing a malformed DAAP (Digital Audio Access Protocol) request. DAAP is a protocol used primarily for sharing media libraries over a network, and owntone-server implements this protocol to serve media content. When an attacker sends a crafted DAAP request that exploits this NULL pointer dereference, the server process handling DAAP requests crashes or becomes unstable, resulting in denial of service. This vulnerability does not require prior authentication, making it accessible to unauthenticated remote attackers who can reach the DAAP service endpoint. The lack of a CVSS score and absence of known exploits in the wild suggest it is a recently discovered issue. However, the impact on availability is significant since it can disrupt media streaming services relying on owntone-server. The vulnerability affects all versions where the vulnerable code is present, although specific affected versions are not detailed. No patches or fixes have been publicly linked yet, indicating that organizations must monitor vendor advisories closely. The attack vector is network-based, requiring the attacker to send a crafted DAAP request to the server. The vulnerability is limited to the DAAP service component, so exposure depends on whether this service is enabled and accessible. Given the nature of the flaw, exploitation is straightforward for anyone with network access to the DAAP port, and no user interaction is needed beyond sending the malicious request.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-63647 is the potential disruption of media streaming services that utilize owntone-server with DAAP enabled. This can affect internal collaboration, entertainment, or public-facing media sharing platforms, leading to service downtime and user dissatisfaction. Organizations relying on owntone-server in environments such as educational institutions, media companies, or public libraries may experience interruptions. The denial of service could also be leveraged as part of a larger attack to degrade network resources or distract security teams. Since the vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or integrity, the risk is confined to availability. However, repeated or targeted exploitation could cause operational disruptions and increased support costs. The lack of authentication requirement increases the attack surface, especially if the DAAP service is exposed beyond trusted networks. European entities with open or poorly segmented networks are at higher risk. Additionally, organizations with compliance requirements for service availability may face regulatory scrutiny if disruptions occur. The absence of known exploits currently limits immediate widespread impact, but proactive mitigation is critical to prevent future exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2025-63647, European organizations should first verify whether owntone-server is deployed and if the DAAP service is enabled and accessible. If DAAP is not required, disabling the DAAP service entirely is the most effective mitigation. For environments requiring DAAP, restrict network access to the DAAP port using firewalls or network segmentation to limit exposure to trusted hosts only. Monitor network traffic for unusual or malformed DAAP requests that could indicate exploitation attempts. Since no patches are currently available, maintain close monitoring of vendor advisories and apply updates promptly once a fix is released. Employ application-layer protections such as intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) configured to detect anomalous DAAP traffic patterns. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration tests focusing on media server components. Additionally, implement robust logging and alerting on owntone-server to detect crashes or service interruptions quickly. Educate IT staff about this vulnerability to ensure rapid response to incidents. Finally, consider deploying redundant media services or failover mechanisms to maintain availability in case of DoS attacks.