io.netty:netty-handler

CVE-2025-24970

CVE-2025-24970 is a high-severity improper input validation vulnerability in io.netty:netty-handler (maven), affecting versions >= 4.1.91.Final, <= 4.1.117.Final. It is fixed in 4.1.118.Final.

Key facts
CVSS score
7.5
High
Attack vector
Network
Issuing authority
GitHub Advisory Database
Affected package
io.netty:netty-handler
Fixed in
4.1.118.Final
Disclosed
2025

Summary

Impact When a special crafted packet is received via SslHandler it doesn't correctly handle validation of such a packet in all cases which can lead to a native crash. Workarounds As workaround its possible to either disable the usage of the native SSLEngine or changing the code from: to:

Impact

What is improper input validation?

The application does not adequately validate input before processing it, allowing unexpected values to reach sensitive code paths. Typical impact: varies by context: data corruption, logic bypass, or denial of service.

Severity and exposure

CVE-2025-24970 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (High). The vector is network-reachable, no privileges required, and no user interaction. A CVSS score reflects the worst-case severity of the vulnerability, not your specific exposure. Whether this affects your application depends on whether the vulnerable code is present and reachable in your environment.

A fixed version is available (4.1.118.Final). Upgrading removes the vulnerable code path.

Affected versions

maven

  • io.netty:netty-handler (>= 4.1.91.Final, <= 4.1.117.Final)

Security releases

  • io.netty:netty-handler → 4.1.118.Final (maven)
Kodem intelligence

Severity tells you how bad this could be in the worst case. It does not tell you whether you are exposed. Exploitability and impact are functions of runtime truth: whether the vulnerable code is present, reachable, and actually executes in your application. A vulnerable package can sit in your dependency tree and never run.

Kodem, an Intelligent Application Security platform, uses runtime intelligence to reveal which vulnerabilities actually execute in production, so teams prioritize the ones that genuinely matter instead of chasing every advisory.

Kodem's runtime-powered SCA identifies whether CVE-2025-24970 is reachable in your applications. Explore open-source security for your team.

See if CVE-2025-24970 is reachable in your applications. Get a demo

Remediation advice

Upgrade io.netty:netty-handler to 4.1.118.Final or later to resolve this vulnerability.

Kodem Kai can prioritize this vulnerability in your dependency tree and generate a fix recommendation.

Frequently asked questions about CVE-2025-24970

What is CVE-2025-24970?

CVE-2025-24970 is a high-severity improper input validation vulnerability in io.netty:netty-handler (maven), affecting versions >= 4.1.91.Final, <= 4.1.117.Final. It is fixed in 4.1.118.Final. The application does not adequately validate input before processing it, allowing unexpected values to reach sensitive code paths.

How severe is CVE-2025-24970?

CVE-2025-24970 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (High). This score reflects the worst-case severity of the vulnerability, not your specific exposure. Whether it represents real risk in your environment depends on whether the vulnerable code is present and reachable.

Which versions of io.netty:netty-handler are affected by CVE-2025-24970?

io.netty:netty-handler (maven) versions >= 4.1.91.Final, <= 4.1.117.Final is affected.

Is there a fix for CVE-2025-24970?

Yes. CVE-2025-24970 is fixed in 4.1.118.Final. Upgrade to this version or later.

Is CVE-2025-24970 exploitable, and should I be worried?

Whether CVE-2025-24970 is exploitable in your environment depends on whether the vulnerable code is present and reachable. A CVSS score is a worst-case rating; it does not account for your specific deployment, configuration, or usage patterns. Kodem, an Intelligent Application Security platform, uses runtime intelligence to show which vulnerabilities actually execute in production, so you can focus on the ones that represent real risk. Get a demo

What actually determines whether CVE-2025-24970 is exploitable, and how bad it is?

Exploitability and impact are not fixed properties of a CVE. They depend on runtime truth: whether the vulnerable code is present, reachable, and actually executes in your application. A high CVSS score on a dependency that never runs is not the same as real risk. Kodem, an Intelligent Application Security platform, uses runtime intelligence to reveal which vulnerabilities actually execute in production, so teams prioritize the ones that genuinely matter.

How do I fix CVE-2025-24970?

Upgrade io.netty:netty-handler to 4.1.118.Final or later.

Stop the waste.
Protect your environment with Kodem.