CVE-2025-15351 Overview
CVE-2025-15351 is an insecure deserialization vulnerability affecting Anritsu VectorStar that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations. The vulnerability exists within the parsing of CHX files, where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied data before deserializing it. Successful exploitation requires user interaction—specifically, the target must visit a malicious webpage or open a maliciously crafted CHX file.
Critical Impact
An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the current process, potentially leading to full system compromise.
Affected Products
- Anritsu VectorStar (specific versions not disclosed)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-01-23 - CVE-2025-15351 published to NVD
- 2026-01-26 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-15351
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-502 (Deserialization of Untrusted Data). The flaw resides in the CHX file parsing functionality of Anritsu VectorStar. When the application processes a CHX file, it deserializes the file contents without adequately validating whether the data originates from a trusted source. This lack of validation allows an attacker to craft a malicious CHX file containing arbitrary serialized objects that, when deserialized by the vulnerable application, can execute attacker-controlled code.
The attack requires local access with user interaction—the victim must be social-engineered into opening a malicious file or visiting an attacker-controlled page that serves the malicious CHX file. Once the malicious file is processed, code execution occurs in the context of the current process, granting the attacker the same privileges as the user running VectorStar.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2025-15351 is the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data during CHX file parsing. The application trusts the content of CHX files without verifying the integrity or authenticity of the serialized objects contained within. Deserialization vulnerabilities of this nature typically occur when applications blindly deserialize data without implementing allowlists for expected object types or validation mechanisms to ensure the data has not been tampered with.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, requiring user interaction. An attacker must craft a malicious CHX file containing weaponized serialized objects and then convince a user to open this file. Common delivery mechanisms include:
- Phishing emails with malicious CHX file attachments
- Hosting malicious CHX files on compromised or attacker-controlled websites
- Social engineering users to download and open files from untrusted sources
When the victim opens the malicious CHX file with Anritsu VectorStar, the application deserializes the attacker-controlled objects, triggering arbitrary code execution. The attacker gains code execution privileges equivalent to the user running the application, which may allow further lateral movement or privilege escalation depending on the environment.
For detailed technical information, refer to the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-25-1202.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-15351
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected CHX files appearing in user download directories or temp folders
- Unusual process spawning from Anritsu VectorStar application processes
- Network connections initiated by VectorStar to unknown or suspicious external hosts
- Suspicious file access patterns where VectorStar accesses sensitive system files or directories
Detection Strategies
- Implement file integrity monitoring for CHX files processed by Anritsu VectorStar
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious process behavior following CHX file operations
- Configure email security gateways to scan and quarantine CHX file attachments from untrusted sources
- Enable application-level logging for VectorStar to capture file parsing events for forensic analysis
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for unusual child processes spawned by Anritsu VectorStar
- Implement behavioral analysis rules to detect post-exploitation activities such as credential access or lateral movement
- Configure SIEM alerts for anomalous file operations involving .chx extensions
- Regularly review security logs from endpoints running VectorStar for signs of exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-15351
Immediate Actions Required
- Avoid opening CHX files from untrusted or unknown sources until a vendor patch is available
- Implement application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized processes
- Train users on the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and recognizing phishing attempts
- Consider temporarily disabling or restricting access to Anritsu VectorStar in high-risk environments
Patch Information
As of the last update, no official patch information has been published by the vendor. Users should monitor the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-25-1202 and Anritsu's official channels for security updates. Apply vendor-supplied patches immediately when they become available.
Workarounds
- Block or filter CHX file attachments at email gateways until patches are available
- Implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a compromised system
- Deploy application sandboxing solutions to isolate VectorStar from critical system resources
- Restrict file downloads to trusted sources only through web proxy policies
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
