Overview
CVE-2025-2474 is a severe security vulnerability in the PCX image codec used by QNX Software Development Platform (SDP) versions 8.0, 7.1 and 7.0. This vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated attacker to exploit an out-of-bounds write condition, leading to a potential denial of service or even the execution of arbitrary code. Given the ubiquity of the QNX SDP in a variety of critical infrastructure systems, this vulnerability could have expansive and potentially devastating implications if left unaddressed.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-2474
Severity: Critical, CVSS Score 9.8
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
QNX SDP | 8.0
QNX SDP | 7.1
QNX SDP | 7.0
How the Exploit Works
The vulnerability stems from an out-of-bounds write condition in the PCX image codec used by QNX SDP. An attacker can exploit this condition by crafting a maliciously formed PCX image file and loading it into the codec. The malformed image file causes the codec to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. This could result in a crash (denial-of-service condition) or potentially allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the process running the image codec.
Conceptual Example Code
While the exact exploitation methods will vary depending on the attacker’s objectives and the specific configuration of the targeted system, a conceptual example of how the vulnerability might be exploited involves sending a malicious PCX image file to the targeted system. The below is a high-level representation of the process:
# Step 1: Craft a malicious PCX image file
$ echo "malicious_payload" > exploit.pcx
# Step 2: Send the malicious image file to the target system
$ scp exploit.pcx user@target.example.com:/path/to/vulnerable/codec/In this conceptual example, the “malicious_payload” would be replaced with actual exploit code designed to trigger the out-of-bounds write condition in the PCX image codec. It’s important to note that actual exploit code would likely require significant technical expertise to write and would be tailored to the specific characteristics of the targeted system.