CVE-2025-7987 is a high-severity vulnerability classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) affecting Ashlar-Vellum Graphite version 13.0. The vulnerability arises from improper validation of user-supplied data during the parsing of VC6 files, leading to a write operation beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds write can corrupt memory and potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current process. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a maliciously crafted VC6 file or visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the vulnerable parser. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), and the attack vector is local (AV:L), indicating that the attacker must have some means to deliver the malicious file or lure the user to a malicious page. The CVSS v3.0 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the nature of the vulnerability—remote code execution via file parsing—makes it a significant risk, especially in environments where Ashlar-Vellum Graphite is used to handle VC6 files. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, increasing the urgency for mitigation through other means.

For European organizations using Ashlar-Vellum Graphite 13.0, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk. Successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of the affected system, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data theft, system manipulation, or lateral movement within networks. Given that Ashlar-Vellum Graphite is a CAD software often used in design, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, exploitation could disrupt critical workflows, intellectual property confidentiality, and operational integrity. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering could be leveraged to deliver the malicious VC6 files, increasing risk in environments with less stringent user awareness. Additionally, the vulnerability’s impact on availability could cause downtime in design processes, affecting production timelines. European organizations with design and manufacturing operations that rely on this software are particularly vulnerable to operational disruption and intellectual property compromise.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on restricting the handling of VC6 files from untrusted sources. Implement strict email and web filtering to block or quarantine suspicious VC6 attachments or downloads. 2. Educate users on the risks of opening files from unknown or untrusted origins, emphasizing the specific threat posed by VC6 files in Ashlar-Vellum Graphite. 3. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of Ashlar-Vellum Graphite, reducing the impact of potential exploitation. 4. Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual behavior related to Ashlar-Vellum Graphite processes, such as unexpected memory access or process spawning. 5. Coordinate with Ashlar-Vellum for timely updates or patches; if none are available, consider temporary disabling or restricting the use of the vulnerable version until a fix is released. 6. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting exploitation attempts involving out-of-bounds writes or anomalous code execution patterns within the application. 7. For organizations with critical design workflows, consider isolating systems running Ashlar-Vellum Graphite from broader networks to contain potential compromises.