Critical security update: SUSE patches 14 vulnerabilities in WebKit2GTK3, including multiple high-severity memory corruption flaws (CVSS 8.8) that could lead to arbitrary code execution. Learn about the risks, affected SUSE Linux Enterprise 12 SP5 systems, and how to patch immediately to prevent zero-day exploits and data breaches.
Affected Systems: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 and derivatives (HPC, SAP, LTSS)
A critical security patch has been released by SUSE to address a suite of fourteen distinct vulnerabilities in the WebKit2GTK3 web engine. This update, identified as SUSE-SU-2025:02973-1, is rated as "important" and resolves multiple high-severity issues, including several that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
For system administrators managing enterprise Linux environments, applying this patch is not just recommended—it is imperative for maintaining organizational cybersecurity hygiene and preventing potential data exfiltration.
This comprehensive update underscores the persistent threat posed by memory corruption vulnerabilities in core web rendering technologies.
WebKit, the engine behind browsers like Safari and many Linux applications, is a high-value target for cybercriminals. The patched flaws, if exploited, could lead to a complete compromise of system integrity, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and persistent denial-of-service conditions.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the risks, the specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) list, and clear instructions for mitigation.
Understanding the Risk: High-Severity Vulnerabilities Patched
The update mitigates a range of threats, with several vulnerabilities scoring a critical 8.8 CVSS v3.1 score. These are not theoretical risks; they represent tangible pathways for attackers to infiltrate systems.
CVE-2025-24189, CVE-2025-31273, CVE-2025-31278: These are the most severe vulnerabilities addressed. Each involves memory corruption issues triggered by processing maliciously crafted web content. Successful exploitation could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target machine with no required privileges, effectively granting them control.
CVE-2025-24201: This out-of-bounds write vulnerability, while requiring a lower privilege level (PR:L) and user interaction, still poses a significant risk by potentially enabling code execution.
CVE-2024-54467: This flaw fixed a critical cookie management issue that could have allowed for cross-origin data exfiltration, meaning an attacker on one website could steal data meant for another.
Why should enterprise users be concerned? Many Linux applications, including email clients, document viewers, and embedded system dashboards, utilize the WebKitGTK engine to render web content. A user need only view a malicious advertisement (malvert) or a compromised webpage within one of these applications to trigger an exploit.
Complete List of Patched CVEs and Their Impact
The update to WebKit2GTK3 version 2.48.5 resolves the following security issues, each with a direct impact on system stability and security:
| CVE Identifier | CVSS Score (v3.1) | Primary Risk |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2025-24189 | 8.8 (Critical) | Memory Corruption → Arbitrary Code Execution |
| CVE-2025-31273 | 8.8 (Critical) | Memory Corruption → Arbitrary Code Execution |
| CVE-2025-31278 | 8.8 (Critical) | Memory Corruption → Arbitrary Code Execution |
| CVE-2025-24201 | 7.1 (High) | Out-of-Bounds Write → Code Execution |
| CVE-2025-43227 | 7.5 (High) | Information Disclosure → Sensitive Data Leak |
| CVE-2024-44192 | 6.5 (Medium) | Denial-of-Service (Application Crash) |
| CVE-2024-54467 | 6.5 (Medium) | Data Exfiltration (Cross-Origin) |
| CVE-2025-43211 | 6.5 (Medium) | Denial-of-Service |
| CVE-2025-43212 | 6.5 (Medium) | Denial-of-Service (Application Crash) |
| CVE-2025-43216 | 6.5 (Medium) | Denial-of-Service (Application Crash) |
| CVE-2025-43240 | 6.2 (Medium) | Information Disclosure |
| CVE-2025-6558 | 5.7/8.8* (Medium/Critical) | Denial-of-Service / Code Execution |
| CVE-2025-43228 | 4.3 (Low) | Address Bar Spoofing (UI Redress) |
| CVE-2025-43265 | 4.0 (Low) | Information Disclosure (Internal State) |
*Note: CVE-2025-6558 has discrepant scores; SUSE rates it 5.7, while NVD rates it 8.8. Applying the patch mitigates all potential interpretations of the threat.*
Step-by-Step: How to Apply This Security Patch
Applying this update is a straightforward process using SUSE's standard package management tools. Immediate action is strongly advised to close these security gaps.
Recommended Method (YaST):
Use the YaST online_update module for a guided, user-friendly patching experience. This is the preferred method for most administrators as it helps manage dependencies and system consistency.
Command-Line Method (Zypper):
For headless servers and automated environments, use the zypper command. The specific patch command varies slightly depending on your exact product variant:
For SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 LTSS:
zypper in -t patch SUSE-SLE-SERVER-12-SP5-LTSS-2025-2973=1
For SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 LTSS Extended Security:
zypper in -t patch SUSE-SLE-SERVER-12-SP5-LTSS-EXTENDED-SECURITY-2025-2973=1
After applying the update, it is considered cybersecurity best practice to restart any applications or services that depend on the webkit2gtk3 library to ensure the new, secure version is loaded into memory.
Beyond the Patch: Proactive Linux Security Management
Patching is reactive. Building a proactive security posture is essential for enterprise IT. This includes:
Subscribing to Security Announcements: Always monitor official sources like the SUSE Security Announcement mailing list.
Utilizing Extended Support: Products like LTSS (Long Term Service Pack Support) provide critical security patches for systems with longer lifecycles.
Regular Vulnerability Scanning: Employ tools to consistently scan your infrastructure for unpatched software and known vulnerabilities.
Network Segmentation: Limiting lateral movement within a network can contain the blast radius of a successful exploit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My system is not listed in the affected products. Am I safe?
A: This specific patch is targeted at SUSE Linux Enterprise 12 SP5 and its derivatives. If you are on a different distribution or a newer service pack, you should consult your vendor's security advisories. However, the underlying WebKit vulnerabilities may affect other platforms.
Q: Is a simple reboot required after applying this update?
A: A full system reboot is not strictly mandatory, but you must restart any application using WebKit2GTK3 (e.g., certain email clients, web-view applications) for the patch to take effect.
Q: What is the difference between NVD and SUSE CVSS scores?
A: The National Vulnerability Database (NVD) provides a base score. Vendors like SUSE can adjust the score based on how the vulnerability manifests within their specific implementation and configuration, often providing a more accurate risk assessment for their platform.
Q: Where can I find more technical details on each CVE?
A: You can follow the references provided in the original bulletin or visit the direct links to SUSE's CVE pages (e.g., https://www.suse.com/security/cve/CVE-2025-24189.html).
Conclusion: The SUSE-SU-2025:02973-1 patch is a critical defense against a multifaceted threat targeting a core web component.
In the realm of cybersecurity, timely patching is one of the most effective controls against evolving digital threats. Delay increases the window of opportunity for attackers. Prioritize this update to ensure your SUSE Linux Enterprise 12 SP5 systems remain secure, stable, and compliant.
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