CVE-2025-56814 Overview
CVE-2025-56814 is a code injection vulnerability [CWE-77] in OpenCPN v5.12.0, an open-source chart plotter and marine navigation application. The flaw resides in the wxExecute() function, which fails to properly sanitize input containing shell metacharacters. Attackers with local access can embed shell metacharacters into input passed to wxExecute() and execute arbitrary commands on the host system. The vulnerability affects local users and can lead to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the affected workstation.
Critical Impact
Arbitrary command execution through shell metacharacter injection into the wxExecute() function of OpenCPN v5.12.0.
Affected Products
- OpenCPN v5.12.0
- Deployments embedding the vulnerable wxExecute() invocation
- Cross-platform installations on Windows, macOS, and Linux running the affected version
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-15 - CVE-2025-56814 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-56814
Vulnerability Analysis
OpenCPN uses the wxWidgets wxExecute() API to spawn external processes. In v5.12.0, user-controllable input is concatenated into a command string and passed to wxExecute() without escaping or argument-vector separation. When the command string contains shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &, $(), or backticks, the underlying shell interprets them as command delimiters or substitution operators. This allows an attacker to break out of the intended command and append arbitrary commands that run with the privileges of the OpenCPN process.
Because exploitation requires local access and low privileges, the typical attack scenario involves a malicious file, plugin, or configuration artifact loaded by a legitimate user. Successful exploitation yields execution in the context of the navigation application, which on operational vessels may run with elevated permissions or alongside sensitive routing data.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in a command [CWE-77]. The application constructs a shell-interpretable command string from external input and dispatches it through wxExecute() without using the argument-array form or sanitizing metacharacters.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local. An attacker supplies crafted input containing shell metacharacters through a vector consumed by the vulnerable wxExecute() call path. When OpenCPN processes that input, the injected payload executes as a child process. Refer to the Jihoo Portfolio RCE Analysis for technical reproduction details.
// No verified exploit code is published. The vulnerability mechanism
// is described in prose above. See the linked technical reference
// for reproduction steps and proof-of-concept details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-56814
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by the OpenCPN executable, including shells such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, /bin/sh, or /bin/bash
- OpenCPN process initiating outbound network connections inconsistent with chart or AIS data sources
- Newly created files, scheduled tasks, or cron entries authored by the OpenCPN process
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for process-creation telemetry where the parent image is opencpn and the child image is a shell interpreter or scripting engine
- Inspect command-line arguments of OpenCPN child processes for shell metacharacters (;, |, &&, `, $()
- Correlate OpenCPN activity with file-write events outside expected chart, plugin, and configuration directories
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable command-line auditing on endpoints running OpenCPN and forward events to a centralized analytics platform
- Baseline normal OpenCPN child-process behavior and alert on deviations such as interpreter execution
- Monitor plugin and configuration directories for unauthorized modification
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-56814
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict OpenCPN to trusted users and prohibit loading of untrusted plugins, route files, or configuration artifacts
- Run OpenCPN under a least-privilege user account that cannot modify system files or scheduled tasks
- Apply application allow-listing to block shell interpreters from launching as children of opencpn
Patch Information
No vendor patch advisory is referenced in the CVE record at this time. Monitor the OpenCPN project for an update beyond v5.12.0 that introduces argument-vector execution or input sanitization for wxExecute() call sites. Review the Jihoo Portfolio RCE Analysis for current remediation guidance.
Workarounds
- Avoid opening untrusted files, plugins, or route imports in OpenCPN v5.12.0
- Apply operating system sandboxing such as AppArmor, SELinux, or Windows AppContainer to restrict process spawning
- Remove or disable OpenCPN features that invoke external commands until a patched version is installed
# Example AppArmor-style restriction to deny shell execution by OpenCPN
deny /bin/sh ix,
deny /bin/bash ix,
deny /usr/bin/python* ix,
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
