📄 Description (English)
Use After Free vulnerability was discovered in fs/vfs/fs_rename code of the Apache NuttX RTOS, that due recursive implementation and single buffer use by two different pointer variables allowed arbitrary user provided size buffer reallocation and write to the previously freed heap chunk, that in specific cases could cause unintended virtual filesystem rename/move operation results.
This issue affects Apache NuttX RTOS: from 7.20 before 12.11.0.
Users of virtual filesystem based services with write access especially when exposed over the network (i.e. FTP) are affected and recommended to upgrade to version 12.11.0 that fixes the issue.
🤖 AI Executive Summary
A use-after-free vulnerability in Apache NuttX RTOS filesystem rename operations (CVE-2025-48769, CVSS 8.1) allows attackers to write to freed heap memory through recursive buffer reallocation, potentially causing unintended filesystem operations. This affects NuttX versions 7.20 through 12.10.x, particularly when virtual filesystem services are exposed over network protocols like FTP. Immediate patching to version 12.11.0 is critical for organizations deploying NuttX-based IoT, industrial control, and embedded systems.
📄 Description (Arabic)
🤖 AI Intelligence Analysis Analyzed: Apr 26, 2026 02:18
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Impact Assessment
Saudi organizations operating critical infrastructure are significantly impacted, particularly: (1) ARAMCO and energy sector operators using NuttX-based SCADA/ICS systems for pipeline and facility management; (2) Saudi Telecom (STC) and telecommunications providers deploying NuttX in network equipment and IoT gateways; (3) Government agencies (NCA, CITC) managing critical infrastructure with embedded NuttX systems; (4) Healthcare institutions using NuttX in medical devices and monitoring systems; (5) Financial institutions with payment processing systems relying on NuttX-based network appliances. The vulnerability's impact on filesystem operations could lead to data corruption, unauthorized file access, and system instability in mission-critical environments.
🏢 Affected Saudi Sectors
Energy (ARAMCO, oil/gas operations)
Telecommunications (STC, network infrastructure)
Government (NCA, CITC, critical infrastructure)
Healthcare (medical devices, monitoring systems)
Financial Services (payment processing, network appliances)
Industrial Control Systems (SCADA, ICS)
IoT and Embedded Systems
🎯 MITRE ATT&CK Techniques
⚖️ Saudi Risk Score (AI)
8.2
/ 10.0
🔧 Remediation Steps (English)
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS:
1. Identify all systems running Apache NuttX RTOS versions 7.20-12.10.x, particularly those with exposed FTP or network filesystem services
2. Isolate affected systems from network access if patching cannot be immediately applied
3. Review access logs for suspicious filesystem rename/move operations
PATCHING GUIDANCE:
1. Upgrade to Apache NuttX version 12.11.0 or later immediately
2. Test patches in non-production environments first, particularly for SCADA/ICS systems
3. Coordinate with ARAMCO, STC, and critical infrastructure operators for coordinated patching
4. Verify filesystem integrity post-patching using checksums and integrity verification tools
COMPENSATING CONTROLS (if immediate patching unavailable):
1. Disable FTP and network filesystem services if not essential
2. Implement strict network segmentation and access controls for NuttX systems
3. Monitor filesystem operations for anomalous rename/move activities
4. Implement file integrity monitoring (FIM) on critical filesystem paths
5. Restrict write permissions to minimum necessary users/processes
DETECTION RULES:
1. Monitor for unexpected filesystem rename operations on critical paths
2. Alert on heap corruption indicators or memory access violations
3. Track failed filesystem operations that may indicate exploitation attempts
4. Monitor for unusual FTP command sequences targeting filesystem operations
🔧 خطوات المعالجة (العربية)
الإجراءات الفورية:
1. تحديد جميع الأنظمة التي تعمل بإصدارات Apache NuttX RTOS من 7.20-12.10.x، خاصة تلك التي تحتوي على خدمات FTP أو نظام ملفات الشبكة المكشوفة
2. عزل الأنظمة المتأثرة عن الوصول إلى الشبكة إذا لم يكن التصحيح فوراً ممكناً
3. مراجعة سجلات الوصول للعمليات المريبة لإعادة تسمية/نقل نظام الملفات
إرشادات التصحيح:
1. الترقية إلى Apache NuttX الإصدار 12.11.0 أو أحدث فوراً
2. اختبار التصحيحات في بيئات غير الإنتاج أولاً، خاصة لأنظمة SCADA/ICS
3. التنسيق مع أرامكو و STC والمشغلين الحرجين للبنية التحتية للتصحيح المنسق
4. التحقق من سلامة نظام الملفات بعد التصحيح باستخدام أدوات التحقق من الفحوصات والسلامة
الضوابط البديلة (إذا لم يكن التصحيح الفوري متاحاً):
1. تعطيل خدمات FTP ونظام ملفات الشبكة إذا لم تكن ضرورية
2. تنفيذ تقسيم الشبكة الصارم وضوابط الوصول لأنظمة NuttX
3. مراقبة عمليات نظام الملفات للأنشطة الشاذة لإعادة التسمية/النقل
4. تنفيذ مراقبة سلامة الملفات (FIM) على مسارات نظام الملفات الحرجة
5. تقييد أذونات الكتابة للحد الأدنى من المستخدمين/العمليات الضرورية
قواعد الكشف:
1. مراقبة عمليات إعادة تسمية نظام الملفات غير المتوقعة على المسارات الحرجة
2. التنبيه على مؤشرات تلف الكومة أو انتهاكات الوصول إلى الذاكرة
3. تتبع عمليات نظام الملفات الفاشلة التي قد تشير إلى محاولات الاستغلال
4. مراقبة تسلسلات أوامر FTP غير العادية التي تستهدف عمليات نظام الملفات
📋 Regulatory Compliance Mapping
🟢 NCA ECC 2024
ECC 2024 A.12.6.1 - Management of technical vulnerabilities
ECC 2024 A.14.2.1 - Secure development policy
ECC 2024 A.12.3.1 - Configuration management
ECC 2024 A.12.2.1 - Change management
🔵 SAMA CSF
ID.RA-1 - Asset management and vulnerability identification
PR.IP-12 - System and information integrity
DE.CM-8 - Vulnerability scans
RS.MI-2 - Incident response and recovery
🟡 ISO 27001:2022
A.12.6.1 - Management of technical vulnerabilities
A.14.2.1 - Secure development policy and procedures
A.12.3.1 - Configuration management
A.12.2.1 - Change management procedures
A.12.6.2 - Information system security testing
🟣 PCI DSS v4.0.1
Requirement 6.2 - Security patches and updates
Requirement 11.2 - Vulnerability scanning
🔗 References & Sources 3
🔗
https://github.com/apache/nuttx/pull/16455
security@apache.org
Issue Tracking
🔗
https://lists.apache.org/thread/7m83v11ldfq7bvw72n9t5sccocczocjn
security@apache.org
Mailing List
Vendor Advisory
🔗
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/12/31/11
af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Mailing List
Third Party Advisory
📦 Affected Products / CPE 1 entries
apache:nuttx