CVE-2025-2337 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in version 1.5.28 of the 'matio' library, developed by the vendor 'tbeu'. The vulnerability resides in the function Mat_VarPrint within the source file src/mat.c. A heap-based buffer overflow occurs when the function improperly handles memory allocation or data copying, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory on the heap. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, application crashes, or data corruption. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely without requiring authentication, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:P), meaning an attacker can trigger the overflow over a network with low attack complexity and no privileges. However, user interaction is required (UI:P), which suggests that the exploit might need a user to perform some action, such as opening a malicious file or visiting a crafted URL that triggers the vulnerable function. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3, categorized as medium severity, reflecting the partial impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (VC:L, VI:L, VA:L). The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, but there are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication. No official patches or mitigations have been linked yet. The matio library is commonly used for reading and writing MATLAB MAT files in various software applications, scientific computing, and data analysis tools. Therefore, any application or service that integrates matio 1.5.28 and exposes the vulnerable function to user input or network data could be at risk. The heap overflow could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service, depending on the exploitation method and environment.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-2337 depends on their use of the matio library version 1.5.28 within their software stack. Organizations involved in scientific research, engineering, data analytics, or any domain relying on MATLAB file interoperability may use applications embedding matio. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to compromise confidentiality by accessing sensitive data, integrity by altering data or results, and availability by crashing services. Given the remote exploitability and lack of required privileges, attackers could target exposed services or user endpoints to gain footholds or disrupt operations. This is particularly concerning for research institutions, universities, and industries such as automotive, aerospace, or pharmaceuticals in Europe that rely on MATLAB data processing. Although no active exploits are reported, the public disclosure increases the risk of weaponization. The medium CVSS score suggests moderate risk, but the real-world impact could escalate if combined with other vulnerabilities or in environments where matio is widely deployed without timely updates.

1. Immediate assessment of software and systems to identify any usage of matio version 1.5.28. 2. If feasible, upgrade to a patched or newer version of matio once available from the vendor or community. 3. In the absence of an official patch, implement input validation and sanitization on all data processed by Mat_VarPrint or related functions to prevent malformed inputs triggering the overflow. 4. Employ runtime protections such as heap memory protection mechanisms (e.g., heap canaries, ASLR, DEP) to mitigate exploitation impact. 5. Restrict network exposure of services or applications that utilize matio to trusted users and networks only. 6. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual activity that could indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability, especially focusing on inputs that invoke MAT file processing. 7. Educate users about the risk of opening untrusted files or links that might trigger the vulnerability, reducing the likelihood of required user interaction exploitation. 8. Prepare incident response plans to quickly address potential exploitation attempts once patches are released or exploits are detected.