CVE-2025-32801

Loading a malicious hook library can lead to local privilege escalation

Published May 28, 2025 CVSS 3.1 · 7.8 High EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
Kea configuration and API directives can be used to load a malicious hook library. Many common configurations run Kea as root, leave the API entry points unsecured by default, and/or place the control sockets in insecure paths.
This issue affects Kea versions 2.4.0 through 2.4.1, 2.6.0 through 2.6.2, and 2.7.0 through 2.7.8.

Remediation

Vendor Solution

Upgrade to the patched release most closely related to your current version of Kea: 2.4.2, 2.6.3, or 2.7.9.


Vendor Workaround

Two mitigation approaches are possible: (1) Disable the Kea API entirely, by (1a) disabling the `kea-ctrl-agent`, and (1b) removing any `"control-socket"` stanzas from the Kea configuration files; or (2) Secure access to the API by (2a) requiring authentication (a password or client certificate) for the `kea-ctrl-agent`, and (2b) configuring all `"control-socket"` stanzas to use a directory restricted to only trusted users.

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
EUVD EUVD EUVD-2025-16210 Kea configuration and API directives can be used to load a malicious hook library. Many common configurations run Kea as root, leave the API entry points unsecured by default, and/or place the control sockets in insecure paths. This issue affects Kea versions 2.4.0 through 2.4.1, 2.6.0 through 2.6.2, and 2.7.0 through 2.7.8.
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Redhat
Redhat enterprise Linux
CPEs cpe:/o:redhat:enterprise_linux:10.0
Vendors & Products Redhat
Redhat enterprise Linux
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description Kea configuration and API directives can be used to load a malicious hook library. Many common configurations run Kea as root, leave the API entry points unsecured by default, and/or place the control sockets in insecure paths. This issue affects Kea versions 2.4.0 through 2.4.1, 2.6.0 through 2.6.2, and 2.7.0 through 2.7.8.
Title Loading a malicious hook library can lead to local privilege escalation
Weaknesses CWE-94
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
isc
Published
Updated
May 28, 2025, 5:33 PM
Reserved
Apr 10, 2025, 12:51 PM
Status
Deferred
Published
May 28, 2025, 5:15 PM
Modified
Jun 17, 2026, 9:12 AM
Severity
Important
Public date
May 28, 2025, 12:00 AM