CVE-2025-7425 is a use-after-free vulnerability discovered in libxslt, a library used for transforming XML documents using XSLT stylesheets, specifically impacting Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 Extended Lifecycle Support (ELS). The vulnerability occurs due to improper modification of attribute metadata fields—atype and flags—during the processing of XSLT functions like key() that generate tree fragments. This improper modification corrupts internal memory management structures, preventing the proper cleanup of ID attributes. Consequently, the system may access memory that has already been freed, leading to use-after-free conditions. This can cause application or system crashes and potentially enable attackers to trigger heap corruption, which could be leveraged for further exploitation such as arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8 (high severity), reflecting that exploitation requires local access with high attack complexity, no privileges, and no user interaction, but the impact on integrity and availability is significant. The vulnerability affects systems running RHEL 7 ELS, which is often used in environments requiring extended support for legacy systems. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported so far. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for environments where libxslt is used in automated XML processing workflows or services running under RHEL 7 ELS. The flaw highlights the risks associated with extended lifecycle support versions that may not receive frequent updates. Organizations should monitor Red Hat advisories for patches and apply them promptly once available.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-7425 can be substantial, especially in sectors relying on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 ELS for legacy application support, such as government, finance, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure. The vulnerability can lead to system instability through crashes and heap corruption, potentially disrupting business operations and services. If exploited, it could compromise system integrity, allowing attackers to manipulate or corrupt data processed by XML transformations. Although remote exploitation is not possible without local access, insider threats or attackers who gain initial footholds could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges or cause denial of service. The extended lifecycle nature of RHEL 7 means many organizations may still be running this version due to compatibility or certification requirements, increasing exposure. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often develop exploits for high-severity vulnerabilities over time. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining secure configurations and limiting local access to trusted personnel. Disruption in critical systems due to crashes or heap corruption could have cascading effects on dependent services and compliance with regulatory requirements.

1. Monitor Red Hat security advisories closely and apply official patches for libxslt and related packages as soon as they are released. 2. Restrict local system access to trusted and authorized users only, minimizing the risk of exploitation by unprivileged users. 3. Implement strict access controls and auditing on systems running RHEL 7 ELS to detect and respond to suspicious activities promptly. 4. Where feasible, consider migrating critical workloads from RHEL 7 ELS to newer supported versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux that receive regular security updates. 5. Review and harden XML processing workflows that utilize libxslt, ensuring they do not expose unnecessary privileges or interfaces to untrusted users. 6. Employ runtime protections such as memory corruption mitigations (e.g., ASLR, DEP) to reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation. 7. Conduct regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on local privilege escalation and memory corruption vectors. 8. Maintain comprehensive backups and incident response plans to mitigate potential service disruptions caused by exploitation or crashes.