CVE-2025-2629 in LabVIEW
Summary
by MITRE • 04/09/2025
There is a DLL hijacking vulnerability due to an uncontrolled search path that exists in NI LabVIEW when loading NI Error Reporting. This vulnerability may result in arbitrary code execution. Successful exploitation requires an attacker to insert a malicious DLL into the uncontrolled search path. This vulnerability affects NI LabVIEW 2025 Q1 and prior versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical DLL hijacking flaw in National Instruments LabVIEW software that stems from improper handling of dynamic link library search paths during the loading of NI Error Reporting components. The issue occurs when the application fails to properly control the sequence in which it searches for required dynamic libraries, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled code can be loaded instead of legitimate system libraries. The vulnerability specifically manifests when LabVIEW attempts to load error reporting functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered during normal application execution. According to CWE-427, this weakness falls under uncontrolled search path conditions where the software's library loading mechanism does not properly validate or restrict the directories from which DLLs can be loaded, creating a pathway for malicious code injection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to place a specially crafted malicious DLL within the affected search path, typically in a directory that would be searched before the legitimate library locations. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1574.001 which describes DLL hijacking as a method for executing code through manipulation of the dynamic link library loading process. The vulnerability affects all versions of NI LabVIEW up to and including the 2025 Q1 release, indicating it has been present for several years and likely affects numerous installations across industrial control systems, engineering environments, and scientific computing platforms where LabVIEW is deployed. The potential for arbitrary code execution makes this particularly dangerous in environments where LabVIEW is used for critical infrastructure monitoring or control systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it can compromise the integrity of entire engineering workflows and potentially provide attackers with persistent access to systems running LabVIEW. In industrial environments where LabVIEW is used for process control, data acquisition, or test automation, successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized modifications of control logic, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects not just individual user systems but entire networked environments where LabVIEW is deployed across multiple workstations. Organizations using LabVIEW for critical applications must consider the potential for cascading effects if one system becomes compromised, as the malicious DLL could be designed to maintain persistence or establish command and control channels. The nature of the vulnerability also means that it could be leveraged in targeted attacks against specific organizations where LabVIEW is a key component of their operational technology infrastructure, making it a significant concern for industrial cybersecurity programs.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper DLL loading controls and restricting the search paths used by LabVIEW applications. Organizations should ensure that the affected versions of LabVIEW are updated with patches provided by National Instruments, as this vulnerability is likely to be addressed through proper library loading mechanisms. System administrators should also implement application whitelisting policies and restrict write access to directories in the search path to prevent unauthorized DLL insertion. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual DLL loading patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied to LabVIEW installations, limiting the ability of users to modify system directories. According to NIST SP 800-171 guidelines for protecting sensitive data in non-federal information systems, proper access controls and secure coding practices should be implemented to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in operational technology environments where LabVIEW systems are deployed.