CVE-2025-7849 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability identified in National Instruments (NI) LabVIEW software, affecting versions 2025 Q1 and prior, including 23.0.0, 24.0.0, and 25.0.0. The root cause is improper error handling when a VILinkObj pointer is null, leading to a memory corruption condition. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker who convinces a user to open a specially crafted Virtual Instrument (VI) file. Upon opening such a file, the vulnerability may allow arbitrary code execution within the context of the user running LabVIEW. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector requiring local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but user interaction is necessary (UI:R). The vulnerability scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for exploitation is significant given the ability to execute arbitrary code. CWE-1285 indicates a memory corruption issue related to improper error handling, which can lead to unpredictable behavior and security breaches. LabVIEW is widely used in engineering, industrial automation, and scientific research environments, where compromised code execution could disrupt critical processes or leak sensitive intellectual property. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for mitigation.

For European organizations, especially those in industrial automation, manufacturing, research institutions, and engineering firms that rely on NI LabVIEW for system design and testing, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to manipulate data, disrupt operational technology workflows, or gain footholds for further network intrusion. Confidentiality breaches could expose proprietary designs or experimental data, while integrity violations might corrupt measurement or control processes, potentially causing physical damage or safety hazards. Availability impacts could result in downtime of critical systems, affecting production lines or research timelines. Given the user interaction requirement, phishing or social engineering campaigns targeting employees who handle VI files are plausible attack vectors. The vulnerability's local attack vector suggests that attackers may need initial access to the internal network or endpoint, but once achieved, the risk of lateral movement and escalation is heightened. European organizations with stringent regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, NIS Directive) must consider the implications of data breaches or operational disruptions stemming from this flaw.

Immediate mitigation should focus on minimizing exposure to malicious VI files. Organizations should implement strict controls on the receipt and opening of VI files, including: 1) Educating users on the risks of opening VI files from untrusted sources and instituting policies to verify file provenance. 2) Employing endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior associated with LabVIEW processes. 3) Utilizing application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized or modified VI files. 4) Segmenting networks to limit access to systems running LabVIEW, reducing the risk of lateral movement. 5) Monitoring logs and system behavior for signs of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected crashes or code execution anomalies. 6) Engaging with NI for timely patch releases and applying updates as soon as they become available. 7) Considering the use of sandbox environments for opening untrusted VI files to contain potential exploitation. 8) Reviewing and tightening permissions on LabVIEW project files and related directories to prevent unauthorized modifications. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific attack vector and operational context of LabVIEW users.