CVE-2025-48769 Apache Software Foundation CVE debrief

Who should care

Users of Apache NuttX RTOS, especially those with virtual filesystem-based services exposed over the network, should assess their exposure and upgrade to version 12.11.0. This includes operators managing affected systems, platform administrators, vulnerability management teams, and security teams responsible for ensuring the integrity of their infrastructure.

Why it matters

CVE-2025-48769 is a Use After Free vulnerability in Apache NuttX RTOS' fs/vfs/fs_rename code, affecting versions from 7.20 to before 12.11.0. Users of virtual filesystem-based services with write access, especially when exposed over the network, should assess their exposure and upgrade to version 12.11.0 to prevent potential data corruption or unauthorized access.

• Potential unintended virtual filesystem rename/move operation results
• Possible data corruption or unauthorized access
• Need for verification of affected versions and exposure
• Priority for upgrading to version 12.11.0

Technical summary

The vulnerability is caused by a recursive implementation and single buffer use by two different pointer variables in the fs/vfs/fs_rename code of Apache NuttX RTOS. This allows for arbitrary user-provided size buffer reallocation and write to a previously freed heap chunk, potentially causing unintended virtual filesystem rename/move operation results. The issue affects Apache NuttX RTOS versions from 7.20 to before 12.11.0, and users of virtual filesystem-based services with write access, especially when exposed over the network, are recommended to upgrade to version 12.11.0 to prevent potential data corruption or unauthorized access.

Defensive priority

Upgrade to version 12.11.0, assess exposure of virtual filesystem-based services, especially those exposed over the network.

Recommended defensive actions

• Upgrade Apache NuttX RTOS to version 12.11.0
• Assess exposure of virtual filesystem-based services, especially those exposed over the network
• Verify and apply compensating controls for affected services
• Review relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up
• Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance

Evidence notes

The vulnerability was discovered in the fs/vfs/fs_rename code of Apache NuttX RTOS, affecting versions from 7.20 to before 12.11.0. Users of virtual filesystem-based services with write access, especially when exposed over the network, are recommended to upgrade to version 12.11.0.

Sources and references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.