CVE-2024-23611 in LabVIEW
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
An out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check in LabVIEW may result in remote code execution. Successful exploitation requires an attacker to provide a user with a specially crafted VI. This vulnerability affects LabVIEW 2024 Q1 and prior versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical memory safety issue within National Instruments LabVIEW software that could enable remote code execution through an out of bounds write condition. The flaw exists in the software's handling of specially crafted VI (Virtual Instrument) files, which are the fundamental building blocks of LabVIEW applications. When a user opens or processes such a malicious VI file, the application fails to perform proper bounds checking on array operations, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers. The vulnerability specifically affects LabVIEW versions up to and including 2024 Q1, indicating a widespread impact across multiple release cycles of the software.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds writes in software systems. This type of flaw typically occurs when developers fail to validate array indices or buffer sizes before performing memory operations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The remote code execution potential arises because the out of bounds write can overwrite critical memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other control data structures. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control environments where LabVIEW is commonly deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass broader security implications for systems using LabVIEW for critical infrastructure control. Given that LabVIEW is widely used in industrial automation, test and measurement applications, and scientific instrumentation, an attacker could potentially compromise entire operational technology environments. The requirement for user interaction through a specially crafted VI file means that exploitation typically occurs through social engineering or supply chain attacks, where attackers might deliver malicious files through email attachments, compromised software repositories, or other delivery mechanisms. This attack vector makes the vulnerability particularly concerning as it requires minimal technical sophistication from attackers while potentially yielding maximum impact.
Organizations should immediately update to the latest LabVIEW versions that contain patches for this vulnerability, as National Instruments has likely released security updates addressing the bounds checking issue. System administrators should also implement strict file validation policies and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in industrial software environments where security may be overlooked in favor of functionality. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to LabVIEW installations and consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted VI files. Additionally, this vulnerability underscores the need for regular security assessments of industrial control systems and adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO/IEC 27001 for protecting operational technology environments.