CVE-2025-2849 UPX p_lx_elf.cpp un_DT_INIT heap-based overflow

Medium 4.8 Published 27 Mar 2025 Updated 27 Mar 2025

A heap-based buffer overflow in UPX allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service via crafted ELF files.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2025-2849?

CVE-2025-2849 is a medium-severity memory corruption vulnerability in UPX, published on 27 Mar 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in UPX up to 5.0.0. Affected is the function PackLinuxElf64::un_DT_INIT of the file src/p_lx_elf.cpp. The manipulation leads to heap-based buffer overflow. It is possible to launch the attack on the local host. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The patch is identified as e0b6ff192412f5bb5364c1948f4f6b27a0cd5ea2. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue.

Weakness: CWE-122, CWE-787, CWE-119

Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-2849?

It affects 1 product.

Linux distribution packages (1)

upx openSUSE:Tumbleweed All versions 5.0.0-2.1

Products include Upx Upx.

How do I fix CVE-2025-2849?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2025-2849 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2025-2849 exists.

Sources

Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2025-2849, GHSA-jrx7-5cr9-c5v4, MGASA-2025-0122, UBUNTU-CVE-2025-2849, openSUSE-SU-2025:14947-1.