CVE-2025-7227 in VT-Designer
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2025
INVT VT-Designer PM3 File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of INVT VT-Designer. 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 PM3 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 data structure. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-25550.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2025
The CVE-2025-7227 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in INVT VT-Designer software that enables remote code execution through malicious PM3 file parsing. This vulnerability resides within the file processing component of the software, specifically targeting the PM3 file format parser which is commonly used for industrial automation and control system design. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate input data during PM3 file interpretation, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory structures through crafted file content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during PM3 file parsing operations, which directly maps to CWE-787 - Out-of-bounds Write. When the software processes a malicious PM3 file, it attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of a data structure, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information. This memory corruption can be exploited to redirect program execution flow and ultimately achieve remote code execution with the privileges of the affected application process.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to industrial control systems and automation environments where INVT VT-Designer is deployed. The requirement for user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a malicious file aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, indicating that successful exploitation typically requires social engineering or phishing campaigns to deliver the malicious payload. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to gain persistent access to affected systems, potentially leading to broader network compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of industrial processes.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it can be leveraged for privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments. Organizations using INVT VT-Designer in industrial settings face particular risk since these systems often operate with elevated privileges and may be connected to critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access to the target systems, making it particularly dangerous in environments where security boundaries may be less strictly enforced.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate application of vendor patches or updates, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious file downloads. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their industrial control system environments and implement strict file validation procedures for PM3 file handling. Additionally, user awareness training should be enhanced to recognize potentially malicious file attachments or web content that could exploit this vulnerability, as the requirement for user interaction makes social engineering a critical attack vector to address through comprehensive security awareness programs.