CVE-2025-2633 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in National Instruments (NI) LabVIEW software, specifically affecting versions 2025 Q1 and prior (including 23.0.0, 24.0.0, and 25.0.0). The vulnerability arises from improper validation of specified index, position, or offset in input, classified under CWE-1285. The root cause is an out-of-bounds read in the LabVIEW function lvre!UDecStrToNum, which fails to correctly check bounds before accessing data. This flaw can lead to information disclosure or arbitrary code execution. Exploitation requires an attacker to trick a user into opening a specially crafted Virtual Instrument (VI) file. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity with the vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, unchanged scope, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are reported in the wild yet, and no patches have been linked at the time of publication. The vulnerability is critical because LabVIEW is widely used for system design, test automation, and embedded system development, often in industrial, scientific, and engineering contexts. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or leak sensitive data, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of critical systems controlled or monitored via LabVIEW applications.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-2633 can be significant, especially those relying on NI LabVIEW for industrial automation, manufacturing, research, and development. Compromise of LabVIEW environments could lead to unauthorized code execution, allowing attackers to manipulate control systems, disrupt operations, or exfiltrate sensitive intellectual property. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and critical infrastructure, where LabVIEW is commonly integrated. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious VI) means social engineering or phishing campaigns could be leveraged to trigger exploitation. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, exploitation could result in operational downtime, safety hazards, and loss of proprietary data. European organizations with stringent data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) may also face compliance risks if sensitive data is exposed. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation before active attacks emerge.

1. Immediate mitigation should include user awareness training to avoid opening untrusted or unexpected VI files, emphasizing the risk of social engineering attacks. 2. Implement strict access controls and network segmentation to limit LabVIEW environment exposure, especially restricting local access to trusted users and systems. 3. Monitor and audit LabVIEW file usage and execution logs to detect anomalous activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious behavior related to LabVIEW processes. 5. Coordinate with NI for timely patch deployment once available; in the interim, consider disabling or restricting the use of vulnerable LabVIEW components where feasible. 6. Use application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized VI files. 7. For critical environments, consider sandboxing LabVIEW usage or running it in isolated virtual machines to contain potential exploitation. 8. Regularly update and patch all related software and operating systems to reduce attack surface.