CVE-2025-7067 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the HDF5 library version 1.14.6, specifically within the function H5FS__sinfo_serialize_node_cb located in the source file src/H5FScache.c. HDF5 is a widely used data model, library, and file format for storing and managing large amounts of data, commonly employed in scientific computing, engineering, and data-intensive applications. The vulnerability arises when the vulnerable function improperly handles data serialization, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow condition. This flaw can be triggered by a local attacker who has access to the system where HDF5 is installed. Exploitation does not require user interaction or elevated privileges beyond local access, but it does require the attacker to have at least limited local privileges. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, although no known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date. The CVSS v4.0 base score is 4.8, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required beyond local access (PR:L), and no user interaction (UI:N). The impact is limited to confidentiality and availability with low scope, and no integrity or security impact is noted. The vulnerability does not affect the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of remote systems directly, but local exploitation could lead to denial of service or potential code execution depending on the context of use. Since HDF5 is often integrated into scientific and industrial software stacks, the vulnerability could be leveraged to disrupt data processing or corrupt data in environments where HDF5 files are manipulated or serialized.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-7067 depends largely on the extent to which HDF5 1.14.6 is used within their infrastructure. Organizations involved in scientific research, engineering, data analytics, and industries such as aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and energy may rely on HDF5 for managing large datasets. A successful local exploit could allow an attacker to cause application crashes or potentially execute arbitrary code, leading to denial of service or data corruption. This could disrupt critical research computations or industrial processes, causing operational delays and potential financial losses. Since the attack requires local access, the threat is more pronounced in environments where multiple users have access to shared systems or where insider threats exist. European research institutions and companies with collaborative environments could be particularly vulnerable. However, the lack of remote exploitability and the medium severity rating reduce the risk of widespread impact. Nonetheless, the vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a multi-stage attack chain, especially in high-value targets with sensitive data or critical infrastructure.

To mitigate CVE-2025-7067, European organizations should prioritize updating HDF5 to a patched version once available, as no patch links are currently provided but are expected to be released. In the interim, organizations should restrict local access to systems running HDF5 1.14.6, enforcing strict user privilege separation and monitoring for unusual local activity. Employing application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques can limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, organizations should audit their software dependencies to identify where HDF5 is used and assess the exposure risk. Implementing runtime protections such as heap overflow detection and memory protection mechanisms (e.g., ASLR, DEP) can help mitigate exploitation attempts. Regularly reviewing and updating local user access policies, combined with endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Finally, educating users about the risks of local privilege abuse and maintaining robust incident response plans will enhance resilience against this vulnerability.