Out of Bounds Write Vulnerability in FreeType Software by FreeType Project
CVE-2025-27363

8.1HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor: Freetype
Status: Freetype
Vendor: CVE Published:; 11 March 2025

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What is CVE-2025-27363?

CVE-2025-27363 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability identified in the FreeType software, specifically affecting versions 2.13.0 and earlier. FreeType is an open-source software library designed to render fonts, widely used in various applications and platforms for displaying text. This vulnerability arises when the library attempts to process font subglyph structures, particularly in TrueType GX and variable font files. If exploited, it could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, posing significant risks to organizations that rely on FreeType for font rendering in their applications.

Technical Details

The vulnerability stems from improper handling of data types within the FreeType library. During the parsing of font subglyph structures, a signed short value is incorrectly assigned to an unsigned long variable, leading to incorrect calculations that result in heap buffer allocation being too small. As a consequence, the library may write data beyond the allocated buffer, potentially affecting adjacent memory areas. This kind of out-of-bounds write can lead to several severe outcomes, including the execution of arbitrary code by an attacker.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-27363

Arbitrary Code Execution: Exploiting this vulnerability allows attackers to run malicious code on the affected system, which can result in complete system compromise.
Data Breaches: Once an attacker gains control through arbitrary code execution, they may access sensitive data, leading to potential data leaks or theft.
System Instability: The exploitation may cause crashes or other erratic behaviors in applications relying on FreeType, potentially resulting in denial of service scenarios and impacting overall system reliability.