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CVE-2025-32801: Kea Configuration and API Directives Vulnerability

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Overview

The CVE-2025-32801 vulnerability is a significant cybersecurity threat that exposes systems running Kea versions 2.4.0 through 2.4.1, 2.6.0 through 2.6.2, and 2.7.0 through 2.7.8 to potential compromise or data leakage. This vulnerability is caused by the ability of Kea configuration and API directives to load a malicious hook library. Many systems currently in operation run Kea as root and leave the API entry points unsecured by default – a dangerous practice that inadvertently increases the severity of this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-32801
Severity: High (7.8 CVSS score)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage

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Product | Affected Versions

Kea | 2.4.0 – 2.4.1
Kea | 2.6.0 – 2.6.2
Kea | 2.7.0 – 2.7.8

How the Exploit Works

The exploit takes advantage of Kea’s default settings, which leave API entry points unsecured. An attacker can use these directives to load a malicious hook library into the system. This is particularly dangerous in cases where Kea runs as root, as it allows the attacker to gain system-level privileges and potentially compromise the system or leak sensitive data.

Conceptual Example Code

Here’s a simplified conceptual example of how this vulnerability might be exploited. Please note that this is pseudocode and not meant to be run in a real environment.

# Define malicious hook library
malicious_hook = "malicious_library.so"
# Define Kea API entry point
kea_api_entry = "/var/kea/api/socket"
# Load malicious hook library
load_library(kea_api_entry, malicious_hook)
# Execute malicious actions with root privileges
execute_malicious_actions()

In this example, the `load_library` function represents the abuse of Kea configuration and API directives to inject a malicious library. The `execute_malicious_actions` function then represents the actions an attacker might take once they’ve gained system-level privileges, such as exfiltrating sensitive data or installing additional malware.

Countermeasures

To mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability, users are advised to apply the vendor patch as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can be used as temporary mitigation. Additionally, system administrators should consider reviewing and tightening security settings related to Kea’s operation, including running Kea with lower privileges and securing API entry points.

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Disclaimer:

The information and code presented in this article are provided for educational and defensive cybersecurity purposes only. Any conceptual or pseudocode examples are simplified representations intended to raise awareness and promote secure development and system configuration practices.

Do not use this information to attempt unauthorized access or exploit vulnerabilities on systems that you do not own or have explicit permission to test.

Ameeba and its authors do not endorse or condone malicious behavior and are not responsible for misuse of the content. Always follow ethical hacking guidelines, responsible disclosure practices, and local laws.
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