CVE-2025-9275 is a high-severity remote code execution vulnerability affecting Oxford Instruments Imaris Viewer version 10.0.1. The vulnerability arises from an out-of-bounds write condition (CWE-787) during the parsing of IMS files, a proprietary file format used by the software. Specifically, the flaw is due to improper validation of user-supplied data within the IMS file parser, which allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. This memory corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Imaris Viewer process. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a maliciously crafted IMS file or visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the file parsing. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication but does require user action, which somewhat limits the attack vector. The CVSS v3.0 score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. There are no known public exploits or patches available at the time of publication, but the vulnerability was responsibly disclosed and assigned by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-21655. Given the nature of the vulnerability, successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain full control over the affected system under the privileges of the user running Imaris Viewer, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or lateral movement within a network.

For European organizations, particularly those in scientific research, healthcare, and industrial sectors that utilize Oxford Instruments Imaris Viewer for advanced microscopy image analysis, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive research data, intellectual property theft, or disruption of critical scientific workflows. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely could also facilitate the deployment of malware or ransomware, amplifying operational and financial damage. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, phishing campaigns or malicious file distribution could be effective attack vectors. The impact extends beyond confidentiality to include integrity and availability of data and systems, potentially undermining trust in research outputs and causing regulatory compliance issues under GDPR if personal or sensitive data is involved. The lack of available patches increases the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations to reduce exposure.

European organizations should implement targeted mitigations beyond generic advice: 1) Restrict and monitor the use of IMS files from untrusted sources; implement strict file validation and sandboxing where possible. 2) Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious IMS files and visiting untrusted websites, emphasizing the need for caution with email attachments and downloads. 3) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 4) Use network segmentation to isolate systems running Imaris Viewer, limiting potential lateral movement. 5) Regularly back up critical data and verify backup integrity to enable recovery in case of compromise. 6) Monitor vendor communications closely for patches or updates and prioritize prompt deployment once available. 7) Consider deploying file integrity monitoring on systems running Imaris Viewer to detect unauthorized changes. 8) Implement strict privilege management to minimize the impact of a compromised user context.