CVE-2025-65085 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-122, affecting multiple Ashlar-Vellum products including Cobalt, Xenon, Argon, Lithium, and Cobalt Share versions 12.6.1204.207 and earlier. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of heap memory, which can be exploited by an attacker to overwrite memory buffers, leading to arbitrary code execution or information disclosure. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 8.4, indicating high severity, with an attack vector classified as local (AV:L), requiring no privileges (PR:N) but user interaction (UI:A). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level (VC:H, VI:H, VA:H). The flaw does not require network access or authentication but does require the victim to interact with the vulnerable application, such as opening a crafted file or performing a specific action within the software. No patches or fixes have been published yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild, but the potential for exploitation is significant due to the nature of heap overflows. The affected products are specialized CAD and design software used primarily in engineering and manufacturing sectors, where precision and data integrity are critical. The vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system compromise, data theft, or disruption of design workflows.

For European organizations, especially those in manufacturing, engineering, and design sectors that rely on Ashlar-Vellum products, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive design data, intellectual property theft, or disruption of critical design processes. The ability to execute arbitrary code locally could allow attackers to install malware, move laterally within networks, or disrupt operations. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, organizations could face operational downtime, financial losses, and reputational damage. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, particularly in environments where multiple users have access to workstations running the vulnerable software. The lack of current patches increases exposure, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps. European industries with high reliance on CAD tools, such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery sectors, are particularly vulnerable.

1. Restrict local access to systems running Ashlar-Vellum products to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 2. Implement strict user privilege controls and application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of malicious code. 3. Educate users about the risk of opening untrusted files or performing suspicious actions within the software to reduce the likelihood of user interaction-based exploitation. 4. Monitor system and application logs for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as crashes or unexpected process activity. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and block exploitation attempts targeting heap-based buffer overflows. 6. Coordinate with Ashlar-Vellum for timely updates and apply patches immediately once released. 7. Consider isolating critical design workstations from broader networks to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 8. Regularly back up critical design data and verify backup integrity to enable recovery from potential attacks.