CVE-2025-56814: OpenCPN Local Code Injection Vulnerability Analysis

Technical summary

CVE-2025-56814 exploits improper input validation in OpenCPN v5.12.0's wxExecute() function, which is used to spawn system processes. The vulnerability stems from CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command), where shell metacharacters embedded in function parameters are not escaped or filtered before command execution. An authenticated local attacker can craft malicious input that breaks out of the intended command context and executes arbitrary shell commands. The attack vector is local, requires low privilege (standard user), no user interaction, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Business impact

Organizations relying on OpenCPN for critical navigation operations—including maritime companies, rescue services, research vessels, and recreational boating operations—face risk of unauthorized code execution on systems where the software runs. A compromised OpenCPN instance could lead to data theft from vessel systems, disruption of navigation functions, or lateral movement into connected maritime or operational networks. The local nature of the attack reduces but does not eliminate risk in multi-user environments or where system access is shared across team members.

Affected systems

OpenCPN v5.12.0 is confirmed affected. Organizations should verify whether this version or nearby versions in the 5.x branch are deployed in their environment. OpenCPN is primarily used on Linux, Windows, and macOS systems as both a standalone application and integrated navigation platform on various marine devices. Check patch notes and vendor advisories to determine if later releases have addressed this flaw.

Exploitability

This vulnerability requires local system access and standard user privileges—a moderately constrained attack surface compared to remote exploits. However, in shared computing environments (training labs, research vessels with multiple operators, or IT-managed systems with diverse user bases), the risk is elevated. No known public exploit code has been widely documented, and this vulnerability does not appear on the CISA KEV catalog, suggesting active in-the-wild exploitation is not yet widespread. Nevertheless, the technical barrier to exploitation is low once an attacker has local access; shell metacharacter injection is a well-understood attack pattern.

Remediation

Upgrade OpenCPN to a version that addresses CWE-77 input sanitization. Consult the official OpenCPN project website and release notes to identify the first patched release after v5.12.0. Additionally, enforce system-level controls: restrict local user accounts, disable unnecessary shell access on shared systems running OpenCPN, and apply the principle of least privilege so that the OpenCPN process runs with minimal required permissions. Code review of any custom plugins or scripts that invoke wxExecute() is also recommended.

Patch guidance

1. Check the OpenCPN official repository and release notes for versions after 5.12.0; apply the earliest available patch. 2. Test patches in a non-production environment first, particularly on maritime systems where navigation continuity is critical. 3. Verify that any third-party integrations or custom code using wxExecute() are also reviewed and updated. 4. Document patching timelines for compliance and audit purposes, especially in regulated maritime or safety-critical operations.

Detection guidance

Monitor system logs for unexpected child processes spawned by OpenCPN or its parent services. Look for wxExecute() calls with unusual arguments, shell metacharacters (pipes, redirects, command separators), or attempts to execute binaries outside expected directories. On Linux/Unix systems, use auditd rules to track process execution by OpenCPN. On Windows, monitor Windows Event Log for process creation events. Network-based detection is limited due to local-only attack surface, but behavioral analytics can flag unusual file or registry modifications following OpenCPN execution.

Why prioritize this

Although this is a local privilege escalation rather than a remote code execution vulnerability, the CVSS 7.8 HIGH score and the availability of navigation-critical infrastructure make this a priority for remediation, particularly for organizations in maritime or safety-sensitive domains. The low barrier to exploitation once local access is obtained, combined with the potential for lateral movement or data exfiltration in multi-user environments, justifies timely patching. Organizations should prioritize systems in active operational use over development or test instances.

Risk score, explained

CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8 (HIGH) reflects local attack vector (reducing overall exploitability), low attack complexity, and low privilege requirement, but high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The score appropriately weights the severity of code execution against the prerequisite of local system access. This is a significant vulnerability for any OpenCPN deployment, but less critical than remote code execution flaws for air-gapped or restricted-access systems.

Frequently asked questions