CVE-2025-64182 is a classic buffer overflow vulnerability categorized under CWE-120, found in the legacy OpenEXR Python adapter (OpenEXR.InputFile wrapper) of the AcademySoftwareFoundation's openexr library. This vulnerability affects multiple versions: 3.2.0 through 3.2.4, 3.3.0 through 3.3.5, and 3.4.0 through 3.4.2. The root cause is an integer overflow combined with unchecked memory allocation in the InputFile.channel() and InputFile.channels() functions. When these functions process attacker-controlled EXR files or crafted Python objects, they can trigger a heap overflow on 32-bit systems or a NULL pointer dereference on 64-bit systems. This memory corruption can lead to application crashes or potentially arbitrary code execution without requiring user interaction, privileges, or network access (local vector). The vulnerability has a CVSS 4.0 base score of 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting limited attack vector (local), low complexity, no privileges or user interaction needed, but high impact on integrity and availability. The issue is fixed in versions 3.2.5, 3.3.6, and 3.4.3. No known exploits are reported in the wild yet. The vulnerability is particularly relevant to organizations using openexr for image processing in motion picture or visual effects pipelines, especially when handling untrusted EXR files or integrating with Python-based workflows.

For European organizations, especially those in the media, film production, visual effects, and software development sectors, this vulnerability poses a risk of application crashes and potential arbitrary code execution when processing malicious EXR files. This can lead to denial of service, data corruption, or unauthorized code execution within affected systems. Since the vulnerability can be triggered without authentication or user interaction, insider threats or compromised local accounts could exploit it. The impact is heightened in environments where EXR files are exchanged with external partners or downloaded from untrusted sources. Disruption in media production pipelines could cause operational delays and financial losses. Additionally, compromised systems might be leveraged for lateral movement or further attacks within corporate networks. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits given the public disclosure.

European organizations should immediately upgrade all openexr library installations to patched versions 3.2.5, 3.3.6, or 3.4.3 to eliminate the vulnerability. For environments where immediate upgrade is not feasible, implement strict input validation and sanitization of EXR files before processing, including scanning files for anomalies or using sandboxed environments to open untrusted files. Limit access to systems running vulnerable versions to trusted users only and monitor for unusual application crashes or behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Incorporate file integrity monitoring and logging around EXR file handling processes. Educate developers and operators about the risks of processing untrusted image files and enforce secure coding practices in Python wrappers interacting with native libraries. Finally, maintain up-to-date threat intelligence to detect any emerging exploits targeting this vulnerability.