Introduction
A single firmware update can compromise the integrity of thousands of embedded devices if its security checks are flawed. CVE-2025-53022 demonstrates how a subtle oversight in TrustedFirmware-M's firmware upgrade process could allow attackers to overwrite stack memory and potentially execute arbitrary code in secure environments. TrustedFirmware-M (TF-M) is an open-source secure firmware project designed for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers. It is widely adopted in IoT, industrial, and embedded systems, providing a reference implementation for secure boot, cryptographic services, and trusted execution environments. TF-M is maintained by a consortium of industry leaders including Arm, STMicroelectronics, and NXP, and is foundational to the security of millions of devices worldwide.
Technical Information
CVE-2025-53022 is a stack buffer overflow vulnerability in the firmware upgrade (FWU) module of TrustedFirmware-M. The issue specifically affects the processing of Type-Length-Value (TLV) structures in MCUBoot upgrade images. When the FWU module processes a new firmware image, it parses TLV entries that describe dependent components. The vulnerable function, located in tfm_mcuboot_fwu.c around line 257, fails to validate the length field of a TLV entry against the size of the stack-allocated buffer intended to hold the TLV value.
If an attacker is able to supply a crafted MCUBoot upgrade image containing a TLV entry with an excessively large length field, the FWU module will copy the TLV value into the buffer without proper bounds checking. This results in a classic stack buffer overflow (CWE-121), which can overwrite adjacent stack data, including return addresses or function pointers. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution within the secure context of TF-M, undermining the integrity of the secure boot process and any services relying on TF-M for isolation.
The vulnerability is exploitable only if the attacker can control the firmware upgrade image, which may be possible in scenarios involving compromised supply chains or insecure update mechanisms.
The relevant code location is:
// tfm_mcuboot_fwu.c, around line 257 while (bootutil_tlv_iter_next(...)) { // No length check against buffer size if (bootutil_tlv_iter_get_value(...) == NULL) { return ...; } }
Further technical details and the official advisory are available in the TrustedFirmware-M security advisory and the source code reference.
Patch Information
In March 2025, Qualcomm released a comprehensive security bulletin addressing multiple vulnerabilities across its product line, including automotive systems, mobile chipsets, and networking devices. (securityweek.com) Among the critical issues were memory corruption flaws and improper input validation vulnerabilities that could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or disrupt system operations.
To mitigate these risks, Qualcomm provided patches that involve updating the firmware and software components of the affected devices. These updates include enhanced input validation mechanisms to prevent improper data handling and memory management improvements to address potential corruption issues.
For instance, in the case of the memory corruption vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-53012, the patch involves modifying the clock device driver to include stricter input validation and bounds checking. This ensures that any data passed to the driver is properly validated before processing, thereby preventing potential exploitation.
Similarly, for vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-53022, which involve memory corruption during communication between primary and guest virtual machines, the patch includes updates to the inter-VM communication protocols. These updates enforce stricter validation of messages exchanged between VMs and implement additional checks to prevent unauthorized access or data corruption.
Qualcomm has actively shared these patches with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and strongly recommends that they deploy these updates to released devices promptly. Users are advised to check with their device manufacturers for information on the availability of these patches and to apply them as soon as possible to ensure their devices are protected against these vulnerabilities.
Patch sources:
Affected Systems and Versions
CVE-2025-53022 affects TrustedFirmware-M versions before 2.1.3 and 2.2.x before 2.2.1. Any system or product integrating TF-M within these version ranges is vulnerable. This includes embedded devices, IoT platforms, and industrial systems that rely on TF-M for secure boot and firmware updates. The vulnerability is present in configurations where the firmware upgrade (FWU) module processes MCUBoot images containing TLV entries for dependent components.
- Affected versions: TrustedFirmware-M before 2.1.3 and 2.2.x before 2.2.1
- Vulnerable component: Firmware Upgrade (FWU) module, TLV processing logic
Vendor Security History
TrustedFirmware-M has previously addressed vulnerabilities related to stack sealing and input validation, such as TFMV-1 and other advisories. The project maintains a public advisory process and typically releases patches promptly upon discovery of security issues. TF-M's security maturity is reflected in its transparent handling of vulnerabilities and collaboration with industry partners.