CVE-2025-22884 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) found in Delta Electronics ISPSoft version 3.20. ISPSoft is a programming software used primarily for configuring and programming Delta's programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The vulnerability arises when the software parses DVP files, which are project or configuration files used by ISPSoft. Due to improper bounds checking during the parsing process, an attacker can craft a malicious DVP file that triggers a stack-based buffer overflow. This overflow can overwrite the stack memory, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution within the context of the ISPSoft application. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in January 2025 and published in April 2025. Given the nature of ISPSoft as industrial control system (ICS) programming software, exploitation could lead to unauthorized control or disruption of industrial processes if malicious code is executed, potentially causing physical damage or operational downtime.

For European organizations, especially those operating in industrial automation, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure sectors, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Delta Electronics PLCs and ISPSoft software are widely used in European manufacturing plants, energy utilities, and building automation systems. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on engineering workstations or operator terminals running ISPSoft, leading to manipulation or disruption of PLC programming and control logic. This could result in production halts, safety incidents, or damage to equipment. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as phishing or insider threats could deliver malicious DVP files. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means sensitive operational data could be exposed or altered, and system availability compromised. Given Europe's strong regulatory environment around industrial cybersecurity (e.g., NIS Directive), organizations could face compliance and reputational consequences if affected.

European organizations should prioritize the following mitigations: 1) Restrict access to ISPSoft software and engineering workstations to trusted personnel only, enforcing strict access controls and network segmentation to isolate ICS engineering environments from general IT networks. 2) Implement robust user training and awareness programs to prevent opening untrusted or unsolicited DVP files, emphasizing the risk of social engineering attacks. 3) Monitor and audit file transfers and usage of ISPSoft project files to detect anomalous or unauthorized DVP files. 4) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting exploitation attempts or abnormal behavior in ISPSoft processes. 5) Coordinate with Delta Electronics for timely patch releases and apply updates as soon as they become available. 6) Consider deploying virtualized or sandboxed environments for opening and testing DVP files to contain potential exploitation. 7) Maintain up-to-date backups of PLC configurations and project files to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise.