Facebook Warns of FreeType Vulnerability Actively Exploited by Hackers
Facebook has issued a warning about a critical vulnerability in FreeType, an open-source font rendering library widely used in Linux, Android, game engines, and online platforms. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-27363, affects all FreeType versions up to 2.13.0 and could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
The vulnerability, rated 8.1 (High) on the CVSS scale, was patched in FreeType 2.13.0 on February 9, 2023, but Facebook reports that the flaw is being actively exploited in cyberattacks.
How the Exploit Works
According to Facebook’s disclosure, the bug stems from an out-of-bounds write when parsing TrueType GX and variable font files. The flaw arises when a signed short value is assigned to an unsigned long, causing a memory allocation error. This enables attackers to overwrite up to six long integers outside of the allocated memory buffer, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE).
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Why This Matters
FreeType is deeply embedded in countless software projects, operating systems, and web services, making this vulnerability a serious security threat. Older versions of the library often persist in software long after patches are released, leaving many systems exposed.
What You Should Do
Security experts urge developers and administrators to update to FreeType 2.13.3 immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Facebook, which likely relies on FreeType in some capacity, has not disclosed whether the attacks were detected on its own platform or elsewhere. However, the company stressed its commitment to strengthening online security by proactively identifying and reporting open-source vulnerabilities.
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Facebook’s Response
A Meta spokesperson reinforced this stance, stating:
“We report security bugs in open-source software when we find them because it strengthens online security for everyone. We remain vigilant and committed to protecting people’s private communications.”
Final Thoughts
With hackers actively exploiting CVE-2025-27363, organizations must take immediate action to patch outdated FreeType versions and protect their systems from potential cyberattacks.
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Source: bleepingcomputer.com
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