CVE-2025-68920
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2025-68920 is a critical vulnerability in C-Kermit that allows a remote Kermit system to overwrite files on the local system or retrieve arbitrary files. This affects all users running vulnerable versions of C-Kermit, particularly those using it for file transfers between systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- C-Kermit (ckermit)
⚠️ 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 system compromise through arbitrary file overwrite leading to remote code execution, or exfiltration of sensitive files including credentials and configuration data.
Likely Case
Unauthorized file retrieval or modification leading to data breach, system manipulation, or privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent unauthorized Kermit connections.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability appears to be in the file transfer protocol implementation, making exploitation straightforward for attackers with network access to the Kermit service.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions after commit 244644d
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/KermitProject/ckermit/pull/20
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update C-Kermit to version after commit 244644d. 2. For Debian/Ubuntu: apt update && apt upgrade ckermit. 3. For source builds: git pull from repository and rebuild.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Kermit Service
linuxStop and disable the Kermit service to prevent remote exploitation
sudo systemctl stop kermit
sudo systemctl disable kermit
Network Access Control
linuxBlock incoming Kermit connections at firewall
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 1649 -j DROP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate systems running C-Kermit
- Monitor all Kermit connections and file transfer activities for anomalies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check C-Kermit version: kermit -V | grep -i versionCheck Version:
kermit -VVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is after commit 244644d or check git log for inclusion of fix📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file transfer patterns in Kermit logs
- Multiple failed or abnormal Kermit connections
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected Kermit protocol traffic (typically port 1649)
- File transfer requests to/from unusual locations
SIEM Query:
source="kermit.log" AND (file_transfer OR protocol_error)