CVE-2025-2016 in Cobalt
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2025
Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt VC6 File Parsing Type Confusion Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.
The specific flaw exists within the parsing of VC6 files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a type confusion condition. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-25238.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2025
The CVE-2025-2016 vulnerability represents a critical type confusion flaw in Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt's VC6 file parsing functionality that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This vulnerability resides within the software's file processing pipeline where VC6 files are parsed and interpreted, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize and verify user-supplied data during the parsing process, allowing attackers to manipulate the software's internal data type handling mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability classifies it as a type confusion issue, which occurs when a program incorrectly handles data types during runtime operations. This condition typically arises when the same memory location is used to store different data types without proper type checking or validation. In the context of Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt, the VC6 file parser fails to maintain proper type integrity when processing maliciously crafted input, potentially causing the software to interpret data as one type while treating it as another. This fundamental breakdown in type handling creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow and inject malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows attackers to operate within the security context of the affected application process. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running Cobalt process, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the application runs with elevated permissions. The requirement for user interaction through visiting malicious pages or opening malicious files means that social engineering becomes a critical component of exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. Security professionals must consider this as a potential vector for advanced persistent threats that could leverage the victim's trust in legitimate software applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-2016 should focus on immediate patch management and operational security enhancements. Organizations must prioritize updating to the latest versions of Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt that address this specific type confusion vulnerability, as provided by the vendor or through the ZDI-CAN-25238 identifier that tracks this particular flaw. Network-based protections should include filtering and monitoring for suspicious VC6 file content, while endpoint security solutions should implement behavioral monitoring to detect anomalous parsing activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-466, which specifically addresses the issue of "Use of Potentially Dangerous Function" and the broader category of improper type handling in software applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers would need to leverage the initial code execution to establish persistence and escalate privileges within the compromised environment.
The remediation approach should incorporate multiple layers of defense, including application whitelisting to restrict VC6 file handling, network segmentation to limit exposure, and comprehensive user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted files. Security teams should also implement monitoring for unusual file processing patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle remote code execution vulnerabilities in document processing applications. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates immediate attention from security operations teams, as the potential for widespread exploitation increases with the availability of public exploit code and the ease of delivering malicious content through web-based attack vectors.