CVE-2025-54588: Envoy: Race condition in Dynamic Forward Proxy leads to use-after-free and segmentation faults
### Summary A use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability in Envoy's DNS cache causes abnormal process termination. Envoy may reallocate memory when processing a pending DNS resolution, causing list iterator to reference freed memory. ### Details The vulnerability exists in Envoy's Dynamic Forward Proxy implementation starting from version v1.34.0. The issue occurs when a completion callback for a DNS resolution triggers new DNS resolutions or removes existing pending resolutions. This condition may occur in the following configuration: 1. Dynamic Forwarding Filter is enabled. 2. `envoy.reloadable_features.dfp_cluster_resolves_hosts` runtime flag is enabled. 3. The Host header is modified between the Dynamic Forwarding Filter and Router filters. ### Impact Denial of service due to abnormal process termination. ### Attack vector(s) Request to Envoy configured as indicated above. ### Patches Users should upgrade to v1.35.1 or v1.34.5. ### Workaround Set the `envoy.reloadable_features.dfp_cluster_resolves_hosts` runtime flag to `false`. ### Detection Abnormal process termination with the `Envoy::Event::DispatcherImpl::runPostCallbacks()` frame in the call stack. ### Credits Rohit Agrawal ([agrawroh](https://github.com/agrawroh)) ([rohit.agrawal@databricks.com](mailto:rohit.agrawal@databricks.com))
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-54588?
CVE-2025-54588 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential to cause abnormal termination of processes.
What versions of Envoy are affected by CVE-2025-54588?
CVE-2025-54588 affects Envoy versions 1.34.0 through 1.34.4 and also 1.35.0.
How do I fix CVE-2025-54588?
To remediate CVE-2025-54588, upgrade to Envoy version 1.34.5 or 1.35.1 or later.
What is a use-after-free vulnerability in the context of CVE-2025-54588?
A use-after-free vulnerability, like CVE-2025-54588, occurs when a program continues to use a memory resource after it has been freed, leading to potential crashes or exploitation.
What impact does CVE-2025-54588 have on system stability?
CVE-2025-54588 can lead to unexpected crashes and system instability due to the abnormal termination of processes related to the DNS cache.