CVE-2025-55080 Overview
CVE-2025-55080 affects Eclipse ThreadX, a real-time operating system (RTOS) for embedded and IoT devices. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 6.4.3 when memory protection is enabled. Syscall parameter verification is insufficient, allowing a local attacker with low privileges to achieve arbitrary memory read and write. The flaw is classified under [CWE-233] (improper handling of parameters) and undermines the memory protection boundary that ThreadX Modules rely on to isolate untrusted code from the kernel.
Critical Impact
A local attacker running unprivileged code inside a ThreadX Module can bypass memory protection and read or write arbitrary kernel memory, breaking process isolation on affected embedded systems.
Affected Products
- Eclipse ThreadX versions prior to 6.4.3
- Deployments using ThreadX Modules with memory protection enabled
- Embedded and IoT devices built on ThreadX RTOS
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-10-15 - CVE-2025-55080 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-55080
Vulnerability Analysis
Eclipse ThreadX supports a Modules feature that lets unprivileged application code run in a memory-protected context, isolated from the kernel. Communication between a module and the kernel occurs through syscalls. When a module invokes a syscall, the kernel must validate every pointer and length argument to ensure they reference memory the module is authorized to access.
In versions before 6.4.3, this validation is incomplete. An attacker executing code inside a ThreadX Module can craft syscall parameters that point to kernel memory or memory belonging to other modules. The kernel then dereferences these pointers on the attacker's behalf, producing arbitrary read or write primitives within the kernel address space.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper syscall parameter validation, tracked as [CWE-233]. The kernel does not fully verify that pointer arguments passed from user-mode modules fall within the caller's permitted memory region. Length and range checks are missing or insufficient for the affected syscall entry points.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local, low-privileged code execution inside a ThreadX Module on a device where memory protection is enabled. The attacker crafts syscall invocations with pointer arguments referencing kernel structures or protected memory regions. Successful exploitation yields arbitrary kernel read/write, which typically leads to full privilege escalation, code execution in supervisor mode, and defeat of the isolation guarantees the Modules feature is meant to provide. No user interaction and no network access are needed. Technical details are documented in the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-76hh-wrj5-hr2v.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-55080
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected modifications to kernel data structures or module memory regions on ThreadX devices
- Module code performing syscalls with pointer arguments that reference addresses outside the module's assigned memory region
- Anomalous behavior or crashes in ThreadX Modules that correlate with kernel state corruption
Detection Strategies
- Audit device firmware to identify ThreadX versions in use and confirm whether the Modules feature with memory protection is enabled
- Instrument syscall entry points during development and testing to log pointer arguments falling outside caller-owned regions
- Correlate device telemetry, crash dumps, and watchdog resets that could indicate exploitation attempts against embedded fleets
Monitoring Recommendations
- Aggregate embedded device logs and crash reports into a centralized SIEM or data lake for cross-device correlation
- Track firmware version inventory across the fleet to identify assets still running ThreadX versions prior to 6.4.3
- Monitor vendor and Eclipse Foundation advisory channels for additional guidance on ThreadX security updates
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-55080
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Eclipse ThreadX to version 6.4.3 or later and rebuild affected firmware images
- Inventory all embedded devices using ThreadX with Modules and memory protection enabled
- Prioritize patch deployment on devices that load third-party or field-updatable modules
Patch Information
Eclipse ThreadX 6.4.3 introduces stronger syscall parameter verification that closes the arbitrary read/write primitive. Firmware maintainers should integrate the fixed release into their build pipelines and issue updated firmware to deployed devices. Full remediation details are available in the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-76hh-wrj5-hr2v.
Workarounds
- Where patching is not immediately possible, restrict the loading of untrusted modules on affected devices
- Apply defense-in-depth by limiting physical and local access to embedded devices running vulnerable firmware
- Where feasible, disable the Modules feature or memory protection scenarios that expose the vulnerable syscall paths until updated firmware is deployed
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
