CVE-2025-2633: Out-of-Bounds Read in NI LabVIEW Leads to Potential Code Execution
This blog post details CVE-2025-2633, a security vulnerability affecting NI LabVIEW. Specifically, an out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists due to improper bounds checking. This can potentially lead to information disclosure or even arbitrary code execution if a user opens a specially crafted VI (Virtual Instrument) file.
Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-2633
- Description: NI LabVIEW is susceptible to an out-of-bounds read vulnerability within the `lvre!UDecStrToNum` function. This flaw stems from insufficient bounds checking when processing specially crafted data. If successfully exploited, an attacker could potentially read sensitive information from memory or, in a more severe scenario, execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability requires a user to open a malicious VI file provided by the attacker.
- CVSS Score: 7.8 (High)
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- CVSS Explanation: This vulnerability has a high CVSS score due to the potential for high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local, meaning the attacker needs local access to the system. The attack complexity is low, but requires user interaction (opening a malicious file). The scope is unchanged, meaning the attacker does not gain privileges beyond that of the user.
- Exploit Requirements: The attacker needs to create a specially crafted VI file and convince a user to open it using a vulnerable version of NI LabVIEW. Social engineering tactics may be required to achieve this.
- Affected Vendor, Product, Version: NI LabVIEW 2025 Q1 and prior versions.
- CWE: CWE-1285 - Improper Validation of Array Index
- CWE Explanation: CWE-1285 describes a situation where software fails to adequately validate array indices before accessing array elements. This can lead to reading data outside the intended bounds of the array, potentially causing crashes, information leaks, or even arbitrary code execution.
Timeline of Events
- 2025-07-23: CVE ID assigned and vulnerability disclosed.
Exploitability & Real-World Risk
The exploitability of CVE-2025-2633 depends on an attacker's ability to craft a malicious VI file that triggers the out-of-bounds read in the `lvre!UDecStrToNum` function. While the technical complexity might be considerable, the real-world risk is significant for organizations relying on NI LabVIEW for critical operations. A successful exploit could lead to data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of industrial processes.
Recommendations
- Apply the Patch: Update NI LabVIEW to a version that includes the fix for this vulnerability. Consult the official NI advisory for details on the patched versions.
- User Education: Educate users about the risks of opening untrusted VI files. Implement security awareness training to prevent social engineering attacks.
- Security Scans: Regularly scan your systems for known vulnerabilities, including CVE-2025-2633.
- Principle of Least Privilege: Enforce the principle of least privilege to limit the potential impact of a compromised user account.
Technical Insight
The vulnerability lies in the `lvre!UDecStrToNum` function, which is responsible for converting a string representation of a decimal number into its numerical equivalent. The lack of proper bounds checking during this conversion allows an attacker to manipulate the input string in such a way that the function attempts to read data beyond the allocated memory region. This can lead to a crash or, more seriously, the disclosure of sensitive information stored in adjacent memory locations. By carefully controlling the memory layout, an attacker might even be able to overwrite critical program data and execute arbitrary code.
Credit to Researcher(s)
Credit to the researcher(s) who responsibly disclosed this vulnerability to NI.
References
Tags
#NILabVIEW #OutOfBoundsRead #RCE #InformationDisclosure #CVE20252633 #Security
Summary: CVE-2025-2633 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in NI LabVIEW that can lead to information disclosure or arbitrary code execution if a user opens a specially crafted VI file. Update to a patched version and educate users about the risks of opening untrusted files.
CVE ID: CVE-2025-2633
Risk Analysis: Successful exploitation could lead to information disclosure, potentially exposing sensitive data contained within the LabVIEW application or system memory. In a more severe scenario, an attacker could achieve arbitrary code execution, gaining control over the affected system.
Recommendation: Users of NI LabVIEW 2025 Q1 and prior versions should update to a patched version as soon as possible. Exercise caution when opening VI files from untrusted sources and implement security awareness training for users.
Timeline
- 2025-07-23: CVE-2025-2633 assigned and vulnerability disclosed.