CVE-2025-65118 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-427, which involves an uncontrolled search path element in AVEVA Process Optimization software. This flaw allows an authenticated user with standard OS privileges to manipulate the Process Optimization services into loading arbitrary code. The vulnerability exploits the way the software searches for and loads dependencies or modules, enabling an attacker to insert malicious code into the execution path. Successful exploitation results in privilege escalation from a standard user to the OS system level, granting the attacker full control over the Model Application Server. This can lead to complete compromise of the server, including unauthorized access to sensitive process data, manipulation of industrial process parameters, and disruption of operations. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 reflects the vulnerability's high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no user interaction required beyond authentication. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to industrial control systems that rely on AVEVA Process Optimization for process management and optimization. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate risk mitigation through access control and monitoring.

For European organizations, especially those in critical infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, this vulnerability poses a severe risk. AVEVA Process Optimization is widely used in industries such as chemical processing, energy, and manufacturing, where process integrity and availability are paramount. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized control over industrial processes, causing operational disruptions, safety hazards, and potential environmental damage. Confidentiality breaches could expose proprietary process data and intellectual property. The ability to escalate privileges to system level means attackers could deploy persistent malware, disrupt services, or manipulate process outputs, potentially causing cascading failures in industrial environments. Given Europe's strong industrial base and regulatory focus on cybersecurity in critical infrastructure, the impact could extend to economic losses, regulatory penalties, and damage to organizational reputation.

1. Restrict access to AVEVA Process Optimization services strictly to trusted and authorized personnel, minimizing the number of users with authentication credentials. 2. Implement the principle of least privilege by ensuring users operate with the minimum necessary OS permissions, avoiding standard users having unnecessary access to the Model Application Server. 3. Monitor system and application logs for unusual process loading behaviors or unexpected privilege escalations, using advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools tailored for industrial control systems. 4. Isolate the Model Application Server within segmented network zones with strict firewall rules to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 5. Apply vendor patches immediately once released; in the interim, consider deploying application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution. 6. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments focused on AVEVA Process Optimization deployments. 7. Educate system administrators and operators about the risks of CWE-427 and the importance of secure software configuration and update management.