CVE-2025-8090 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-476 (NULL Pointer Dereference) affecting BlackBerry Ltd's QNX Software Development Platform versions 7.0 and 7.1. The flaw exists in the MsgRegisterEvent() system call within the QNX Neutrino kernel, where improper handling of a NULL pointer can lead to a kernel crash. An attacker with local access and the ability to execute code on the system can exploit this vulnerability to cause a denial of service by crashing the kernel, resulting in system instability or downtime. The vulnerability does not allow for privilege escalation, data leakage, or code execution beyond the initial access, as it only impacts availability. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.2, reflecting medium severity, with attack vector Local, low attack complexity, no privileges required beyond code execution, no user interaction, and impact limited to availability. QNX is widely used in embedded systems, including automotive infotainment, industrial control systems, and critical infrastructure devices, making this vulnerability relevant to sectors relying on such platforms. No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability has been officially published and reserved by BlackBerry. The lack of patches necessitates proactive mitigation to prevent potential denial of service attacks.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-8090 is denial of service through kernel crashes on systems running vulnerable QNX versions. For European organizations, this can disrupt operations in sectors heavily reliant on QNX embedded systems, such as automotive manufacturing, industrial automation, and critical infrastructure management. Automotive manufacturers using QNX for infotainment or vehicle control systems could experience system reboots or failures, potentially affecting production lines or vehicle safety features. Industrial control systems in utilities or manufacturing plants may face operational interruptions, leading to financial losses and safety risks. Although the vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or integrity, availability disruptions in critical systems can have cascading effects on business continuity and safety compliance. The requirement for local access and code execution limits remote exploitation but insider threats or compromised local devices could leverage this flaw. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time.

1. Restrict local access to systems running QNX to trusted personnel only, employing strict access controls and monitoring. 2. Implement robust endpoint security measures to prevent unauthorized code execution on QNX devices, including application whitelisting and behavioral monitoring. 3. Monitor system logs and kernel crash reports for signs of abnormal MsgRegisterEvent() failures or unexpected reboots indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Isolate QNX-based embedded systems from general-purpose networks to reduce attack surface and lateral movement opportunities. 5. Engage with BlackBerry for timely updates and patches; apply security patches promptly once available. 6. Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests focusing on local access vectors to identify potential exploitation paths. 7. Develop incident response plans specific to embedded system denial of service scenarios to minimize downtime impact. 8. Consider deploying redundancy and failover mechanisms in critical QNX-dependent systems to maintain availability during incidents.