CVE-2025-29481: Buffer Overflow vulnerability in libbpf 1.5.0 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via the bpf_ob

Routine

MEDIUM 6.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2025-29481 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.2) affecting libbpf. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer Overflow vulnerability in libbpf 1.5.0 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via the bpf_object__init_prog` function of libbpf. This has been disputed by third parties who assert that "no one in their sane mind should be passing untrusted ELF files into libbpf while running under root."

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.2 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 85%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-120
Published	2025-04-07
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: libbpf project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-04-07 20:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 09:05 UTCUpdated Record last modified

libbpf project libbpf DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.5.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.5.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy libbpf || rpm -q libbpf || libbpf --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.5.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison libbpf sudo apt install libbpf=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.5.0> sudo apt-mark hold libbpf

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list libbpf sudo dnf downgrade libbpf-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.5.0> sudo dnf versionlock add libbpf

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2025-29481?

libbpf: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2025-29481 being exploited?

CVE-2025-29481 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2025-29481 affect?

CVE-2025-29481 affects libbpf. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.2). Buffer Overflow vulnerability in libbpf 1.5.0 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via the bpf_object__init_prog` function of libbpf. This has been disputed by third parties who assert that "no one in their sane mind should be

How urgent is CVE-2025-29481?

Priority 30/100. Public exploit reference

References

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