CVE-2025-66587 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in AzeoTech DAQFactory release 20.7 (Build 2555). The vulnerability arises during the parsing of specially crafted .ctl files, which are configuration or control files used by DAQFactory for industrial data acquisition and control processes. The flaw is classified under CWE-122, indicating improper memory handling that leads to heap corruption. When a malicious .ctl file is processed, the application may overwrite memory beyond allocated buffers, corrupting the heap and potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the application's process context. The attack vector is local, meaning the attacker must have local access to the system and the ability to convince a user to open or process the malicious file (user interaction required). The attack complexity is high, indicating that exploitation requires specific conditions or skills. No privileges are required to exploit, and no authentication is necessary. The vulnerability does not involve network attack vectors, limiting remote exploitation. The CVSS 4.0 score of 7.3 reflects high severity due to the potential for code execution and impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patches or known exploits are currently available, but the vulnerability's presence in industrial control software makes it a significant risk for operational technology environments.

For European organizations, especially those in manufacturing, utilities, and industrial automation sectors that rely on DAQFactory for data acquisition and control, this vulnerability poses a serious risk. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially disrupting industrial processes, causing data corruption, or enabling further lateral movement within networks. This could result in operational downtime, safety hazards, intellectual property theft, or sabotage. Given the critical role of industrial control systems in European infrastructure, the impact extends beyond individual organizations to national critical infrastructure. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with multiple users or less controlled access. The absence of known exploits provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity demands immediate attention to prevent future exploitation.

1. Restrict access to DAQFactory systems and .ctl files to trusted personnel only, enforcing strict access controls and user permissions. 2. Implement application whitelisting and file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized or malicious .ctl files. 3. Educate users about the risks of opening untrusted or unsolicited .ctl files to reduce the likelihood of user interaction-based exploitation. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. If possible, isolate DAQFactory systems from general enterprise networks to limit exposure. 6. Regularly back up configuration files and system states to enable recovery in case of compromise. 7. Monitor vendor communications for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 8. Conduct security assessments and penetration testing focused on DAQFactory environments to identify and remediate related weaknesses.