CVE-2025-64524 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-122, found in the rastertopclx filter component of the cups-filters package, which supports the CUPS printing system on non-macOS operating systems. Versions 2.0.1 and earlier are affected. The flaw arises when the rastertopclx filter processes specially crafted input data, leading to a heap buffer overflow that causes a segmentation fault and program crash. This memory corruption vulnerability could be leveraged by an attacker with local access and low privileges to execute arbitrary code, potentially escalating privileges or disrupting printing services. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 3.3, reflecting low severity primarily due to its limited impact on confidentiality and integrity, and the requirement for local privileges. The issue has been addressed and patched in subsequent releases of cups-filters, specifically after commit 956283c. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The vulnerability affects a critical component in printing infrastructure on many Linux and Unix-like systems, which are common in enterprise and server environments.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-64524 is the potential disruption of printing services due to crashes caused by the heap overflow. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the possibility of arbitrary code execution could allow attackers to escalate privileges or move laterally within a network if combined with other vulnerabilities. Organizations relying on cups-filters for printing in critical environments such as government offices, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing could face operational interruptions. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or attackers who have gained initial footholds could exploit this vulnerability to deepen their access. Given the widespread use of Linux and Unix systems in European data centers and enterprises, unpatched systems may be vulnerable to targeted attacks or accidental crashes caused by malformed print jobs.

European organizations should immediately verify the version of cups-filters deployed on their systems and upgrade to a patched version beyond 2.0.1 where the vulnerability is fixed. Implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and restrict who can submit print jobs or access the printing subsystem. Employ application whitelisting and runtime protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regularly audit and monitor printing logs for unusual or malformed print jobs that could indicate exploitation attempts. Consider isolating printing services in hardened containers or virtual machines to reduce the impact of potential compromises. Additionally, maintain up-to-date system patches and security configurations to minimize the attack surface. Educate IT staff about this vulnerability and ensure incident response plans include scenarios involving printing service disruptions.