CVE-2025-33077: Stack-Based Buffer Overflow in IBM Engineering Systems Design Rhapsody
IBM Engineering Systems Design Rhapsody is susceptible to a critical stack-based buffer overflow. A successful exploit could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-33077
- Description: IBM Engineering Systems Design Rhapsody 9.0.2, 10.0, and 10.0.1 is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow caused by improper bounds checking. A local user could overflow the buffer and execute arbitrary code on the system.
- CVSS Score: 8.8 (HIGH)
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- CVSS Explanation: This vulnerability has a high CVSS score because it allows a low-privileged user on the network to execute arbitrary code with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, without requiring any user interaction.
- Exploit Requirements: Local access to the system and privileges of a normal user.
Affected Products
- Vendor: IBM
- Product: Engineering Systems Design Rhapsody
- Versions: 9.0.2, 10.0, and 10.0.1
CWE
- CWE ID: CWE-119
- CWE Name: Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
- CWE Explanation: CWE-119 occurs when software does not properly validate the size of data being written to a buffer. This can lead to a buffer overflow, where data spills outside the allocated memory region, potentially overwriting critical system data or executing malicious code.
Timeline of Events
- 2025-07-23: Vulnerability disclosed and CVE assigned.
Exploitability & Real-World Risk
A stack-based buffer overflow can allow a malicious actor to overwrite parts of the program's stack, including return addresses. By carefully crafting the overflow data, an attacker can redirect the program's execution flow to arbitrary code, granting them full control of the system. This is particularly dangerous if Rhapsody is used in critical infrastructure or embedded systems development, where compromising the development environment could lead to widespread supply chain attacks.
Recommendations
- Apply the Patch: Upgrade to a version of IBM Engineering Systems Design Rhapsody that includes the fix for this vulnerability. Consult the IBM Security Bulletin for details.
- Principle of Least Privilege: Ensure that users have only the minimum necessary privileges to perform their tasks. This can limit the scope of damage if an account is compromised.
- Monitor System Activity: Implement robust monitoring and alerting to detect suspicious activity that might indicate exploitation attempts.
Technical Insight
The vulnerability likely stems from a function that copies data into a fixed-size buffer on the stack without properly checking the size of the input. If the input data exceeds the buffer's capacity, it overflows, overwriting adjacent memory locations on the stack. An attacker can control the content of the overflow data and thus manipulate program execution.
Credit to Researcher(s)
IBM Security Team.
References
Tags
#CVE-2025-33077 #IBMRhapsody #BufferOverflow #SecurityVulnerability #RCE
Summary: A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in IBM Engineering Systems Design Rhapsody versions 9.0.2, 10.0, and 10.0.1. A local, low-privileged attacker could exploit this to execute arbitrary code by overflowing a buffer due to improper bounds checking.
CVE ID: CVE-2025-33077
Risk Analysis: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Rhapsody process. This could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or denial of service. The risk is especially high if Rhapsody is used in sensitive environments, such as industrial control systems or defense applications.
Recommendation: Apply the latest security patches provided by IBM to address this vulnerability. Ensure proper input validation and bounds checking in your own Rhapsody models and plugins to prevent similar issues.
Timeline
- 2025-07-23: Vulnerability disclosed and CVE-2025-33077 assigned.