CVE-2024-5602 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the National Instruments (NI) IO Trace Tool, a component included in the NI System Configuration utilities and previously known as NI Spy. The vulnerability arises from a missing bounds check when processing input data, specifically when handling specially crafted nitrace files. This flaw allows an attacker to overflow the stack buffer, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the user running the IO Trace Tool. Exploitation requires that an attacker deliver a malicious nitrace file to a user who then opens or processes this file with the vulnerable tool, necessitating user interaction but no prior authentication. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects the vulnerability's high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. The vulnerability affects all versions of the IO Trace Tool prior to the patch, although no patch links are currently provided. While no known exploits are reported in the wild, the technical details and nature of the vulnerability suggest a significant risk if weaponized. The IO Trace Tool is commonly used in environments where NI software products are deployed, often in engineering, industrial automation, and testing contexts, where the integrity and availability of systems are critical. Given the stack-based buffer overflow nature (CWE-121), successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system compromise, data theft, or disruption of operations.

For European organizations, particularly those in sectors relying on NI software such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and research institutions, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to compromise system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could result in intellectual property theft, sabotage of industrial control processes, or disruption of critical testing and measurement operations. Given the requirement for user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to deliver malicious nitrace files. The impact is heightened in environments where the IO Trace Tool is integrated into automated workflows or where systems have elevated privileges. Additionally, the potential for lateral movement within networks exists if compromised systems are connected to broader enterprise infrastructure. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the high CVSS score underscores the urgency for European organizations to assess and address this vulnerability promptly.

European organizations should implement targeted mitigation strategies beyond generic patching advice. First, identify and inventory all systems running NI IO Trace Tool or related NI System Configuration utilities to understand exposure. Since no patch is currently linked, organizations should apply vendor advisories promptly once available. In the interim, restrict the handling of nitrace files to trusted sources only and educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected nitrace files, emphasizing the social engineering vector. Employ application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of the IO Trace Tool or limit its execution context. Network segmentation should isolate systems running NI software from general user networks to reduce exposure. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions with custom rules to monitor for anomalous behavior related to the IO Trace Tool. Additionally, consider disabling or uninstalling the IO Trace Tool on systems where it is not essential. Regularly review and update security policies to incorporate handling of specialized file types like nitrace files. Finally, maintain vigilance for vendor updates and threat intelligence feeds for emerging exploit information.