CVE-2025-7978 is a high-severity remote code execution vulnerability in Ashlar-Vellum Graphite version 13_SE_13048, specifically related to the parsing of VC6 files. The root cause is the use of an uninitialized variable (CWE-457) during the file parsing process, which leads to improper memory handling. When the software processes a maliciously crafted VC6 file, it accesses memory that has not been properly initialized, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current process. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious file or visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the vulnerable parsing routine. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication and has a CVSS 3.0 base score of 7.8, indicating high severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the possibility of remote code execution and the broad impact on system security. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for mitigation and monitoring. This vulnerability was tracked as ZDI-CAN-25459 before being assigned a CVE identifier.

For European organizations using Ashlar-Vellum Graphite, particularly version 13_SE_13048, this vulnerability poses a serious risk. Successful exploitation could lead to full compromise of affected systems, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data theft, system disruption, or lateral movement within networks. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, critical business processes relying on Graphite could be disrupted. Industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and design firms that utilize Ashlar-Vellum Graphite for CAD and modeling tasks are particularly vulnerable. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files or links, increasing the attack surface. Additionally, the absence of known exploits currently in the wild does not preclude future exploitation, especially as threat actors often weaponize such vulnerabilities once disclosed. The impact is compounded in environments where Graphite is integrated into larger workflows or where endpoint security is insufficient.

European organizations should implement several targeted mitigation strategies: 1) Immediately audit and identify all installations of Ashlar-Vellum Graphite version 13_SE_13048 within their environment. 2) Restrict or disable the opening of VC6 files from untrusted or unknown sources until a patch is available. 3) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of Graphite, reducing the impact of potential exploitation. 4) Enhance user awareness training focused on recognizing phishing attempts and suspicious files, given the requirement for user interaction. 5) Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual activity related to Graphite processes, including unexpected file accesses or process behaviors. 6) Engage with Ashlar-Vellum for updates or patches and apply them promptly once released. 7) Consider network segmentation to isolate systems running Graphite from critical infrastructure to limit lateral movement. 8) Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect exploitation attempts or anomalous behaviors linked to this vulnerability.