CVE-2025-61982: OpenFOAM Code Stream RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-61982 Overview

An arbitrary code execution vulnerability exists in the Code Stream directive functionality of OpenCFD OpenFOAM 2506. A specially crafted OpenFOAM simulation file can lead to arbitrary code execution. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running OpenFOAM 2506 by crafting malicious simulation files. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or lateral movement within affected environments.

Affected Products

• OpenCFD OpenFOAM 2506

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-18 - CVE CVE-2025-61982 published to NVD
• 2026-02-18 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-61982

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code), commonly known as Code Injection. The flaw resides in the Code Stream directive functionality within OpenFOAM, a widely-used open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package. The Code Stream directive allows users to embed C++ code snippets within OpenFOAM dictionary files, which are then compiled and executed at runtime. This powerful feature, while useful for complex simulations, introduces significant security risks when processing untrusted input files.

The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to open a malicious OpenFOAM simulation file. When successfully exploited, the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the user running the OpenFOAM application, potentially leading to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied code within the Code Stream directive. OpenFOAM's design allows dynamic compilation and execution of C++ code embedded in simulation configuration files. When the application processes a specially crafted file containing malicious code within the Code Stream directive, it compiles and executes the attacker-controlled code without adequate security controls or sandboxing mechanisms.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for CVE-2025-61982 is local, requiring an attacker to deliver a malicious OpenFOAM simulation file to the target system. Attack scenarios include:

1. Phishing campaigns: Sending malicious .foam or dictionary files via email to researchers or engineers who regularly work with CFD simulations
2. Supply chain attacks: Compromising shared simulation repositories or collaborative project files
3. Social engineering: Distributing malicious simulation files through forums, academic channels, or professional networks where OpenFOAM users share their work

The vulnerability can be triggered when a user opens or processes the malicious simulation file, causing the embedded code within the Code Stream directive to be compiled and executed. The malicious code could perform actions such as establishing reverse shells, exfiltrating sensitive data, or installing persistent backdoors.

For detailed technical analysis of this vulnerability, see the Talos Intelligence Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-61982

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual child processes spawned by OpenFOAM executables (e.g., simpleFoam, icoFoam, or other solvers)
• Unexpected network connections originating from OpenFOAM processes
• Suspicious compilation activity in temporary directories during simulation file processing
• Modified or unfamiliar simulation files in project directories

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for unexpected process execution chains where OpenFOAM applications spawn shell interpreters or system utilities
• Implement file integrity monitoring on OpenFOAM project directories and shared simulation repositories
• Deploy endpoint detection rules to identify code compilation triggered by OpenFOAM with unusual or suspicious code patterns
• Use application whitelisting to restrict what executables OpenFOAM processes can spawn

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed process auditing on systems running OpenFOAM to capture command-line arguments and parent-child process relationships
• Implement network monitoring to detect unexpected outbound connections from OpenFOAM processes
• Review OpenFOAM simulation files received from external sources before processing, particularly files containing Code Stream directives
• Configure security solutions to scan simulation files for embedded code that matches known malicious patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-61982

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict the use of the Code Stream directive to trusted simulation files only
• Implement strict access controls on systems running OpenFOAM to limit exposure
• Educate users about the risks of opening simulation files from untrusted sources
• Consider running OpenFOAM in isolated environments (containers, VMs, or sandboxed processes) to limit the impact of potential exploitation

Patch Information

Organizations should monitor OpenCFD's official channels for security updates addressing this vulnerability. Users are advised to review the Talos Intelligence Vulnerability Report for the latest remediation guidance and check OpenFOAM's release notes for patches addressing CVE-2025-61982.

Workarounds

• Disable or restrict the Code Stream directive functionality if not required for your simulation workflows
• Process untrusted simulation files in isolated sandbox environments with limited network access
• Implement organizational policies requiring security review of simulation files containing embedded code before execution
• Use read-only file systems or restricted execution environments when processing simulation files from external collaborators

# Example: Run OpenFOAM in a restricted Docker container
docker run --rm -it \
    --network none \
    --read-only \
    --tmpfs /tmp \
    --user $(id -u):$(id -g) \
    -v /path/to/safe/cases:/data:ro \
    openfoam/openfoam2506-dev \
    simpleFoam -case /data/myCase