A newly disclosed vulnerability in Apache NuttX RTOS could allow attackers to crash systems or trigger unexpected file operations. The issue affects devices running network-exposed services and has prompted security warnings for impacted users.
The flaw is tracked as CVE-2025-48769 and was publicly disclosed on December 31, 2025. It has been rated moderate severity but impacts a wide range of NuttX versions.
Vulnerability Details and Impact
The issue exists in the Virtual File System (VFS), specifically within the fs/vfs/fs_rename code. A flaw in how memory is handled during recursive operations can result in a use-after-free condition, leading to system instability.
Key details:
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-48769
- Vulnerability Type: Use After Free (CWE-416)
- Affected Product: Apache NuttX RTOS
- Affected Component: Virtual File System (VFS)
- Affected Versions: 7.20 through 12.10.0
In certain situations, this flaw can cause unintended file rename or move operations, which may result in crashes. Systems running virtual filesystem services with write access are especially at risk, particularly when exposed over network protocols such as FTP.
Mitigation and Recommendations
The Apache NuttX team has released version 12.11.0, which fully fixes the vulnerability. Users running affected versions are strongly advised to upgrade as soon as possible.
For environments where an immediate upgrade is not possible, temporary risk reduction steps include:
- Restricting network access to virtual filesystem services
- Limiting or disabling write access where feasible
- Closely monitoring embedded and IoT devices exposed to FTP or similar services
No active exploitation has been reported so far. However, timely patching is recommended to prevent potential stability and security issues.
The vulnerability was reported by Richard Jiayang Liu of the University of Illinois, with the fix reviewed and coordinated by the Apache NuttX maintainers and security team.
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