CVE-2025-7228 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-25571.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2025
The CVE-2025-7228 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in INVT VT-Designer software that enables remote code execution through PM3 file parsing. This vulnerability resides within the application's file handling mechanism where it fails to properly validate user-supplied data during PM3 file processing. The flaw specifically manifests when the software attempts to parse maliciously crafted PM3 files, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be successfully exploited, meaning targets must either visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted PM3 file to trigger the vulnerability. This attack vector aligns with common web-based exploitation techniques where social engineering plays a crucial role in successful compromise. The affected software ecosystem includes industrial automation and design tools that rely on PM3 file formats for project data management and configuration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the PM3 file parser component of VT-Designer. When processing PM3 files, the application allocates memory buffers for data structures but fails to verify that incoming data fits within these allocated boundaries. This lack of bounds checking creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious PM3 files that deliberately exceed buffer limits, causing memory corruption. The out-of-bounds write condition occurs when attacker-controlled data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program data, function pointers, or return addresses. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application process. The vulnerability's classification as a buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though this particular implementation involves heap-based memory corruption. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique where adversaries leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities to execute malicious payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-7228 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise within industrial environments where VT-Designer is deployed. Organizations using this software in manufacturing, process control, or automation systems face significant risk since successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to critical infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means attackers can target systems without requiring physical access or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous for industrial control systems. In industrial settings, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate production processes, access sensitive operational data, or potentially cause physical damage to equipment. The requirement for user interaction limits the automated exploitation potential but still presents a significant risk in environments where users frequently handle external files or visit untrusted websites. The vulnerability's presence in a design tool context also means that attackers could potentially compromise the integrity of engineering designs and system configurations, leading to long-term operational impacts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-7228 should focus on both immediate protective measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement strict file validation controls that prevent processing of untrusted PM3 files, particularly those received through email attachments or web downloads. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation by restricting access to critical systems. The implementation of application whitelisting policies that only allow execution of known good PM3 files can provide additional protection layers. Security updates from INVT should be deployed immediately upon availability, as vendors typically provide patches that address the underlying buffer overflow conditions through proper bounds checking and input validation. Regular security assessments of industrial control systems should include vulnerability scanning for similar file parsing flaws across all software components. The use of intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious file transfer activities or attempts to access vulnerable applications can provide early warning capabilities. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted files and visiting suspicious websites, as these remain critical elements in preventing exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for file processing activities to contain potential exploitation attempts within isolated environments.