CVE-2025-7985 is a high-severity integer overflow vulnerability affecting Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt version 1204.96, specifically in the parsing of VC6 files. The vulnerability arises due to improper validation of user-supplied data during the file parsing process, leading to an integer overflow before buffer allocation. This overflow can cause the application to allocate insufficient memory, resulting in a buffer overflow condition. An attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting a malicious VC6 file or hosting a malicious page that triggers the vulnerable parsing code when opened or visited by the user. Successful exploitation allows remote code execution (RCE) in the context of the current process, potentially enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code, compromise system integrity, and gain unauthorized control. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious file or visiting a malicious webpage. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.0 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 ZDI (Zero Day Initiative) and is categorized under CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound).

For European organizations using Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt 1204.96, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Given the ability to execute arbitrary code remotely, attackers could gain unauthorized access to sensitive design and engineering data, intellectual property, or internal systems. This could lead to data breaches, disruption of business operations, and potential lateral movement within networks. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious VC6 files or links, increasing the attack surface. Organizations in sectors relying on CAD and design software, such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and engineering firms, could face operational disruptions and reputational damage. The high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact underscores the criticality of addressing this vulnerability promptly to prevent potential espionage, sabotage, or ransomware deployment.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on user awareness and training to avoid opening untrusted VC6 files or visiting suspicious links. 2. Implement strict email and web filtering to block malicious attachments and URLs that could deliver exploit payloads. 3. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to restrict the execution context of Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt, limiting the impact of potential exploitation. 4. Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process launches or memory anomalies. 5. Coordinate with Ashlar-Vellum for timely patch deployment once available; in the meantime, consider disabling VC6 file support if feasible or restricting file types accepted by the application. 6. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and respond to exploitation attempts rapidly. 7. Maintain regular backups and ensure recovery plans are tested to mitigate the impact of potential ransomware or destructive payloads delivered via this vulnerability.