CVE-2025-7226 in HMITool
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2025
INVT HMITool VPM File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of INVT HMITool. 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 VPM files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a write past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-25048.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2025
The CVE-2025-7226 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in INVT HMITool's VPM file parsing functionality that enables remote code execution. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of VPM files within the industrial human-machine interface software, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by remote adversaries. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms during the parsing process, allowing attackers to craft malicious VPM files that trigger buffer overflow conditions when processed by the vulnerable application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper boundary checking during VPM file parsing operations. When the application processes user-supplied VPM data, it fails to validate the length and structure of incoming data before writing to allocated memory buffers. This lack of proper input sanitization creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate file contents to overwrite adjacent memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is classified as a classic buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution, as described in CWE-121 which covers buffer overflow conditions. The attack requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage or opening a crafted VPM file, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that can be delivered via web-based attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows attackers to operate within the security context of the currently running HMITool process. This presents significant risks for industrial control systems where HMITool applications are commonly deployed, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure monitoring and control functions. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution threat aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers exploitation for execution through web-based attacks. Industrial environments using INVT HMITool are particularly vulnerable since these systems often lack the sophisticated endpoint protection mechanisms found in traditional enterprise environments, making them attractive targets for industrial espionage and operational disruption.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation strategies including patching the vulnerable software to address the buffer overflow condition in VPM file parsing. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable HMITool installations to untrusted networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns and unusual network activity related to VPM file processing. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper boundary checking in industrial control software, as highlighted by CWE-707 which addresses improper handling of inputs. Defense-in-depth strategies should include restricting user privileges for HMITool applications and implementing application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code. Regular security assessments of industrial control systems are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities in other industrial software components that may present comparable risks to operational technology environments.