CVE-2025-7226 is a high-severity remote code execution vulnerability affecting INVT HMITool version 7.1.011. The vulnerability arises from an out-of-bounds write condition (CWE-787) during the parsing of VPM files, which are presumably project or configuration files used by the HMITool software. The root cause is insufficient validation of user-supplied data within these files, allowing an attacker to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current process. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a maliciously crafted VPM file or visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the file parsing. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.0 base score of 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity but requiring user interaction and local vector (AV:L). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been published yet. The vulnerability was assigned by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-25048 and publicly disclosed on July 21, 2025. Given the nature of the vulnerability, successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially leading to full system compromise of affected installations running the vulnerable HMITool version.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially those in industrial automation, manufacturing, or sectors relying on INVT HMITool for human-machine interface (HMI) development and management. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to manipulate industrial control processes, steal sensitive operational data, or disrupt critical infrastructure. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to deliver malicious VPM files. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability could result in operational downtime, safety hazards, intellectual property theft, and regulatory non-compliance under frameworks such as GDPR and NIS Directive. Organizations with remote or distributed teams may face increased exposure due to the possibility of malicious files being introduced via email or web downloads. The lack of available patches further elevates the risk until mitigations or updates are released.

1. Implement strict file handling policies: Restrict the opening of VPM files to trusted sources only and educate users about the risks of opening files from unverified origins. 2. Employ network segmentation and application whitelisting to limit the exposure of systems running INVT HMITool, reducing the attack surface. 3. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious process behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Temporarily disable or restrict the use of INVT HMITool version 7.1.011 where feasible until a patch is available. 5. Apply strict email filtering and web content scanning to block malicious attachments or links that could deliver crafted VPM files. 6. Monitor vendor communications closely for patch releases or official workarounds and prioritize timely deployment. 7. Conduct user awareness training focused on recognizing social engineering tactics that could lead to exploitation. 8. Consider deploying sandbox environments for opening untrusted VPM files to contain potential exploitation attempts.