CVE-2025-31498
c-ares is an asynchronous resolver library.
Overview
CVE-2025-31498 is a known-severity vulnerability. It was published on April 8, 2025.
Technical description
c-ares is an asynchronous resolver library. From 1.32.3 through 1.34.4, there is a use-after-free in read_answers() when process_answer() may re-enqueue a query either due to a DNS Cookie Failure or when the upstream server does not properly support EDNS, or possibly on TCP queries if the remote closed the connection immediately after a response. If there was an issue trying to put that new transaction on the wire, it would close the connection handle, but read_answers() was still expecting the connection handle to be available to possibly dequeue other responses. In theory a remote attacker might be able to trigger this by flooding the target with ICMP UNREACHABLE packets if they also control the upstream nameserver and can return a result with one of those conditions, this has been untested. Otherwise only a local attacker might be able to change system behavior to make send()/write() return a failure condition. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.34.5.
Remediation
Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
How CyberStrike helps
Reason, not just scan
It reasons through your app's logic the way a human pentester would, so it finds flaws signature scanners miss.
Learn moreVerified findings
Every finding is proven exploitable before you see it, which cuts the false positives that bury real risk.
Learn moreAI-driven DAST and SAST
Probe running apps and read source from one engine, so issues are caught before and after they ship.
Learn moreOpen source
Read exactly how it tests and what it reports. CyberStrike is open source and in early access.
View the repo
Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2025-31498?
CVE-2025-31498 is a known-severity vulnerability. It was published on April 8, 2025.
How severe is CVE-2025-31498?
CVSS score information is not yet available for this vulnerability. Check back as the CVE record is updated by NVD analysts.
How do I fix or remediate CVE-2025-31498?
Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2025-31498?
CyberStrike is an open-source, AI-augmented pentesting engine. Rather than flag a version number, it tests whether an issue like CVE-2025-31498 is actually reachable in your own applications and APIs, then verifies each finding before reporting it. That tells you if the weakness is a real, exploitable risk in your environment or a false positive you can safely deprioritize.