CVE-2025-65320 identifies a security vulnerability in Abacre Restaurant POS software versions up to 15.0.0.1656, involving the cleartext storage of sensitive license keys in process memory during activation attempts. Specifically, the application retains valid device-bound license keys in memory without encryption or obfuscation, which can be accessed by attackers with sufficient privileges or through memory inspection tools. This vulnerability arises from insecure handling of sensitive data in volatile memory, violating best practices for credential management. Although the vulnerability does not currently have a CVSS score and no public exploits are known, the exposure of license keys can lead to unauthorized license usage, software piracy, or further attacks if attackers use the keys to bypass licensing controls or gain deeper access. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of licensing information but does not directly impact availability. Exploitation requires local access or the ability to inspect process memory, which may limit remote exploitation but still poses a risk in compromised or insider threat scenarios. The lack of vendor patches or mitigation guidance increases the urgency for organizations to implement compensating controls. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure memory management and encryption of sensitive data even in transient states like activation processes.

For European organizations, especially those in the hospitality and retail sectors using Abacre Restaurant POS, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized license key extraction, resulting in software piracy or fraudulent license activation. This may cause financial losses due to unlicensed software use and potential legal issues. Additionally, attackers who obtain license keys might leverage them to bypass software protections, potentially enabling further compromise of POS systems, which are critical for transaction processing and customer data handling. The exposure of license keys in memory could also be a stepping stone for attackers to escalate privileges or move laterally within a network. Given the widespread use of POS systems in European restaurants and retail outlets, the vulnerability could disrupt business operations and damage customer trust if exploited. However, since exploitation requires local memory access, the threat is more significant in environments with weak endpoint security or insider threats. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks.

Organizations should implement strict access controls to POS systems, ensuring only authorized personnel can access devices running Abacre Restaurant POS. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting memory inspection or unauthorized process access. Monitor system logs and memory access patterns for suspicious activity during activation attempts. Until a vendor patch is available, consider isolating POS systems on segmented networks to limit exposure. Use application whitelisting and privilege restrictions to prevent unauthorized tools that could read process memory. Encourage the vendor to provide a patch that encrypts or securely handles license keys in memory. Additionally, conduct regular security audits and penetration tests focusing on POS environments to identify potential memory exposure risks. Train staff on the importance of physical security and insider threat awareness to reduce the risk of local exploitation. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to POS system compromises.