CVE-2025-9274 in Imaris Viewer
Summary
by MITRE • 09/02/2025
Oxford Instruments Imaris Viewer IMS File Parsing Uninitialized Pointer Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Oxford Instruments Imaris Viewer. 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 IMS files. The issue results from the lack of proper initialization of a pointer prior to accessing it. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-21657.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2025
CVE-2025-9274 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability in Oxford Instruments Imaris Viewer that stems from improper pointer initialization during IMS file parsing operations. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-457 category for use of uninitialized variables, which is a fundamental software security flaw that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes IMS files without properly initializing a pointer before dereferencing it, creating a dangerous condition that attackers can manipulate for malicious purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the file parsing subsystem of Imaris Viewer where IMS files are processed to extract and display imaging data. When an attacker crafts a malicious IMS file with malformed pointer references, the application's failure to initialize memory pointers results in undefined behavior that can be exploited to redirect execution flow. This uninitialized pointer access creates a memory corruption condition that allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the running viewer process, potentially gaining full system control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote code execution without requiring administrative privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where imaging software is widely deployed. Attackers can exploit this through social engineering tactics by convincing users to open malicious IMS files, or by hosting them on compromised websites that users might visit. The requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability less automated than fully zero-click exploits, but still highly practical in real-world attack scenarios where users frequently interact with imaging and scientific software applications.
This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, as it leverages application-specific file parsing mechanisms to achieve remote code execution. The attack chain typically involves delivering a malicious IMS file through phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or file-sharing platforms where users might legitimately open such files. Organizations using Oxford Instruments Imaris Viewer should consider implementing strict file validation policies and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such attacks.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of vendor patches when available, as well as implementing defensive measures such as restricting user access to potentially malicious file types and monitoring for unusual file access patterns. Network administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of the Imaris Viewer application to trusted environments only. Additionally, regular security awareness training for users can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering attacks that rely on user interaction to deliver malicious payloads.