CVE-2025-70083 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in OpenSatKit version 2.2.1. The vulnerability stems from unsafe handling of the DirName field in telecommands, which originate from the ground segment and must be treated as untrusted input. The vulnerable function copies DirName into a local buffer named DirWithSep using the unsafe strcpy function. This buffer has a fixed size defined by OS_MAX_PATH_LEN. If the length of DirName is equal to or exceeds OS_MAX_PATH_LEN, the strcpy operation overflows the buffer, overwriting adjacent stack memory. The intended path length validation is performed by FileUtil_AppendPathSep, but critically, this check occurs after the strcpy call, rendering it ineffective at preventing the overflow. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity with the vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating local attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring low privileges, no user interaction, unchanged scope, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability could allow an attacker with local access and limited privileges to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service by crashing the system. No patches or known exploits are currently reported, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly, especially in aerospace or satellite ground segment systems relying on OpenSatKit.

The impact of CVE-2025-70083 is significant for organizations using OpenSatKit, particularly those involved in aerospace, satellite operations, and ground segment control systems. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges or execute malicious payloads within the affected system. This can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical satellite command and control infrastructure. The vulnerability could enable attackers to disrupt satellite operations, manipulate telemetry or telecommand data, or cause denial of service by crashing the system. Given the specialized nature of OpenSatKit, the affected systems are likely critical infrastructure with high operational importance, increasing the potential consequences of exploitation. Although exploitation requires local access with limited privileges, insider threats or attackers who gain initial foothold could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and move laterally within the network. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests limited current exploitation, but the high severity score and ease of exploitation once local access is obtained make it a serious risk that must be mitigated.

To mitigate CVE-2025-70083, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Apply official patches or updates from OpenSatKit maintainers as soon as they become available to fix the unsafe strcpy usage. 2) Until patches are available, implement strict input validation on the DirName field at the ground segment interface to ensure its length is always less than OS_MAX_PATH_LEN before processing. 3) Replace unsafe string functions like strcpy with safer alternatives such as strncpy or strlcpy that enforce buffer size limits. 4) Conduct thorough code audits of all input handling routines in OpenSatKit to identify and remediate similar unsafe memory operations. 5) Employ runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization (ASLR), and non-executable stack configurations to reduce exploitation success. 6) Limit local access to trusted users and systems, enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for suspicious activity. 7) Implement network segmentation to isolate satellite ground segment systems from broader enterprise networks, reducing attack surface. 8) Regularly monitor logs and system behavior for signs of exploitation attempts or anomalous activity related to telecommand processing. These targeted mitigations go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific unsafe strcpy usage and the operational context of OpenSatKit.