---
title: "U-Boot Bootloader Vulnerability: Critical Flaw Enables Arbitrary Code Execution"
short_title: "Critical U-Boot flaw enables code execution"
description: "CVE-2025-24857 in U-Boot bootloader allows arbitrary code execution with low attack complexity. Learn about affected chips, risks, and mitigation steps."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2025-01-24
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [u-boot, cve-2025-24857, bootloader, arbitrary-code-execution, qualcomm]
score: 0.87
cve_ids: [CVE-2025-24857]
---
TL;DR
A critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-24857) in the U-Boot bootloader allows attackers to execute arbitrary code due to improper access control for volatile memory containing boot code. Affecting multiple Qualcomm chips and versions prior to 2025.4, this flaw poses significant risks to embedded systems worldwide. Immediate patching and physical security measures are recommended.
---
Main Content
Introduction
The Universal Boot Loader (U-Boot), a widely used open-source bootloader in embedded systems, has been found vulnerable to a critical security flaw. Tracked as CVE-2025-24857, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with low attack complexity, potentially compromising devices across multiple critical infrastructure sectors. Below, we break down the technical details, impact, and mitigation strategies for this high-severity issue.
---
Key Points
- Vulnerability ID: CVE-2025-24857
- CVSS v4 Score: 8.6 (High)
- CVSS v3 Score: 8.4 (High)
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Affected Versions: All U-Boot versions prior to 2025.4
- Confirmed Affected Chips: Multiple Qualcomm IPQ series (e.g., IPQ4019, IPQ8074, IPQ9574)
- Exploitation Risk: Arbitrary code execution, but not remotely exploitable
- Researcher: Harvey Phillips of Amazon Element55
---
Technical Details
#### What Is U-Boot?
U-Boot is an open-source bootloader designed for embedded systems, supporting a wide range of architectures such as ARM, AArch64, MIPS, PowerPC, RISC-V, and x86. It initializes hardware, loads the operating system kernel, and provides a command-line interface for low-level system management. U-Boot is widely deployed in routers, IoT devices, industrial systems, and consumer electronics[^1].
#### Vulnerability Overview
The vulnerability (CWE-1274) stems from improper access control for volatile memory containing boot code. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code during the boot process, bypassing security mechanisms. While the vulnerability is not remotely exploitable, physical access or local privileges could allow attackers to compromise affected devices.
#### Affected Products
- U-Boot Versions: All versions prior to 2025.4
- Confirmed Affected Chips:
- Qualcomm IPQ4019
- Qualcomm IPQ5018
- Qualcomm IPQ5322
- Qualcomm IPQ6018
- Qualcomm IPQ8064
- Qualcomm IPQ8074
- Qualcomm IPQ9574
---
Impact Assessment
#### Sectors at Risk
The vulnerability impacts a broad range of critical infrastructure sectors, including:
- Chemical
- Commercial Facilities
- Communications
- Critical Manufacturing
- Defense Industrial Base
- Energy
- Financial Services
- Healthcare and Public Health
- Information Technology
- Transportation Systems
- Water and Wastewater Systems
#### Potential Consequences
Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-24857 could lead to:
- Arbitrary code execution on affected devices
- Unauthorized access to sensitive data
- Disruption of critical services in industrial and enterprise environments
- Compromise of downstream systems relying on the bootloader for secure initialization
---
Mitigation Steps
#### Immediate Actions
1. Upgrade U-Boot: Users are urged to upgrade to U-Boot version 2025.4 or later immediately. Download the latest version from the [official U-Boot repository](https://ftp.denx.de/pub/u-boot/).
2. Contact Qualcomm Support: Users of affected Qualcomm chips should contact [Qualcomm support](https://www.qualcomm.com/support/contact) and reference CVE-2025-24857, QPSIIR-1969, or CR4082905.
3. Ensure Physical Security: Restrict physical access to devices to prevent local exploitation.
#### Long-Term Defensive Measures
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends the following best practices to minimize risks:
- Isolate Control Systems: Ensure control system devices are not accessible from the internet and are segmented from business networks.
- Use Secure Remote Access: When remote access is required, employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and keep them updated to the latest version.
- Implement Firewalls: Locate control system networks behind firewalls to prevent unauthorized access.
- Conduct Risk Assessments: Perform thorough impact analysis and risk assessments before deploying defensive measures.
For additional guidance, refer to CISA’s [recommended practices for industrial control systems](https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/ics-recommended-practices).
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Conclusion
The CVE-2025-24857 vulnerability in U-Boot highlights the critical importance of securing bootloaders in embedded systems. While the flaw requires local access for exploitation, its potential impact on critical infrastructure cannot be understated. Organizations must prioritize patching affected systems, enhancing physical security, and adopting robust cybersecurity practices to mitigate risks.
Stay vigilant, and ensure your devices are protected against this and future threats.
---
References
[^1]: U-Boot. "[Das U-Boot: The Universal Boot Loader](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Das_U-Boot)". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^2]: CISA. "[ICS Advisory (ICSA-25-343-01): U-Boot Improper Access Control Vulnerability](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-25-343-01)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^3]: MITRE. "[CWE-1274: Improper Access Control for Volatile Memory Containing Boot Code](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/1274.html)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.