CVE-2025-3359
📋 TL;DR
A segmentation fault vulnerability in GNUPlot's IO_str_init_static_internal function allows attackers to crash the application, potentially leading to denial of service. This affects systems running vulnerable versions of GNUPlot when processing malicious input. The flaw could be exploited by local or remote attackers depending on how GNUPlot is used.
💻 Affected Systems
- GNUPlot
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete denial of service through application crash, potentially disrupting data visualization workflows or automated processes that rely on GNUPlot.
Likely Case
Application crash when processing specially crafted input files or commands, causing temporary disruption to users.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper input validation and sandboxing; crashes would be contained to individual user sessions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Segmentation fault vulnerabilities typically require crafting specific input; exploitation details not publicly available in references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check GNUPlot releases after CVE publication; Red Hat likely provides backported patches.
Vendor Advisory: https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2025-3359
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Check GNUPlot version with 'gnuplot --version'. 2. Update via package manager: 'sudo yum update gnuplot' (RHEL) or 'sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade gnuplot' (Debian/Ubuntu). 3. Verify update with version check.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Input Sources
allLimit GNUPlot to trusted input files and commands only.
chmod 600 trusted_input_files
Use input validation scripts before passing to GNUPlot
Run with Limited Privileges
linuxExecute GNUPlot with reduced permissions to minimize impact.
sudo -u lowprivuser gnuplot [options]
Use containers or sandboxes for GNUPlot execution
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate GNUPlot usage to non-critical systems or virtual environments.
- Implement strict input validation and monitoring for crash events in logs.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if GNUPlot version matches affected range; test with known safe inputs and monitor for crashes.Check Version:
gnuplot --versionVerify Fix Applied:
After patching, ensure GNUPlot runs without segmentation faults on previously problematic inputs; confirm version is updated.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Segmentation fault errors in system logs
- GNUPlot crash reports
- Unexpected process terminations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic to/from GNUPlot processes if networked
SIEM Query:
source="*syslog*" AND "segmentation fault" AND "gnuplot"