CVE-2025-11465 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 affecting Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt version 1204.97. The vulnerability exists in the CO file parsing component, where the software fails to verify the existence of an object before performing operations on it. This leads to a use-after-free condition, which attackers can exploit to execute arbitrary code remotely. The attack vector requires user interaction, such as opening a maliciously crafted CO file or visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the vulnerability. The flaw allows code execution with the privileges of the current user process, potentially leading to full system compromise if the user has elevated rights. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.0 base score of 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity but requiring user interaction and no privileges. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability was publicly disclosed on October 29, 2025, and was tracked as ZDI-CAN-26631 prior to CVE assignment. The lack of a patch link indicates that a fix may not yet be available, increasing the urgency for mitigation. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for organizations relying on Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt for CAD and design workflows, as malicious files could be introduced via email, downloads, or shared network resources.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-11465 can be significant, especially in industries relying on Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt for product design, engineering, and manufacturing. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, resulting in data theft, intellectual property compromise, disruption of design processes, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. The confidentiality of sensitive design files and proprietary information is at risk, as is the integrity of design data, which could be altered maliciously. Availability may also be affected if attackers deploy ransomware or destructive payloads. Given the user interaction requirement, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to deliver malicious CO files. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate widespread impact, but the public disclosure increases the risk of future exploitation. European organizations with limited patch management capabilities or those that rely heavily on this software without alternative CAD tools are particularly vulnerable.

1. Implement strict file validation and sandboxing for CO files before opening them in Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt. 2. Educate users on the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and train them to recognize phishing attempts. 3. Restrict the use of Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt to trusted networks and limit internet access from machines running the software. 4. Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process creation or memory corruption alerts. 5. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and block suspicious activity. 6. Regularly back up critical design data and verify backup integrity to mitigate potential ransomware or data corruption impacts. 7. Engage with Ashlar-Vellum for timely updates or patches and apply them as soon as they become available. 8. Consider isolating systems running vulnerable versions in segmented network zones to reduce lateral movement risk.