CVE-2025-7988 is a high-severity remote code execution vulnerability affecting Ashlar-Vellum Graphite version 13.0, a CAD software product. The vulnerability arises from an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787) during the parsing of VC6 files, a file format used by the application. Specifically, the software fails to properly validate user-supplied data when processing these files, leading to a write operation beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current process. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a maliciously crafted VC6 file or visiting a malicious web page that triggers the vulnerable parsing routine. The CVSS v3.0 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and user interaction required (UI:R). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as arbitrary code execution can lead to full system compromise. No public exploits are currently known in the wild, and no patches have been published yet. The vulnerability was reserved in July 2025 and published in September 2025 by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) under the identifier ZDI-CAN-25862.

For European organizations using Ashlar-Vellum Graphite 13.0, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive design data, disrupt operations, or move laterally within networks. Given that Graphite is used in design and engineering workflows, compromised systems could result in intellectual property theft or sabotage of critical design files. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious VC6 files or lure users to malicious websites. This risk is heightened in sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and engineering firms prevalent in Europe, where CAD software is integral. The lack of available patches increases exposure, necessitating immediate mitigation. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against organizations with valuable design assets, impacting confidentiality and operational continuity.

1. Immediately restrict or disable the opening of VC6 files in Ashlar-Vellum Graphite 13.0 until a patch is available. 2. Implement strict email and web filtering to block or quarantine VC6 files and suspicious links that could deliver malicious payloads. 3. Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited files or clicking unknown links, emphasizing the need for caution with VC6 files. 4. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of Graphite and contain potential exploitation. 5. Monitor endpoint and network activity for anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process launches or memory corruption indicators. 6. Coordinate with Ashlar-Vellum for timely patch deployment once available and apply updates promptly. 7. Consider network segmentation to isolate systems running Graphite from critical infrastructure to limit lateral movement. 8. Maintain up-to-date backups of design files and system states to enable recovery in case of compromise.