CVE-2024-4079 Overview
CVE-2024-4079 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in NI LabVIEW caused by a missing bounds check [CWE-125]. Attackers can leverage the flaw to disclose process memory or achieve arbitrary code execution on the host running LabVIEW. Successful exploitation requires the target user to open a specially crafted Virtual Instrument (VI) file supplied by the attacker. The vulnerability affects LabVIEW 2024 Q1 and all prior versions, spanning releases from 2021 through 2024. National Instruments (NI) has published a security advisory documenting the affected releases and available fixes.
Critical Impact
A crafted VI file can trigger memory disclosure or arbitrary code execution in the context of the LabVIEW user, potentially compromising engineering workstations, test rigs, and connected industrial hardware.
Affected Products
- NI LabVIEW 2021, 2021 SP1
- NI LabVIEW 2022 Q1, 2022 Q3
- NI LabVIEW 2023 Q1, 2023 Q3, 2023 Q3 Patch 2
- NI LabVIEW 2024 Q1 and prior
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-07-23 - CVE-2024-4079 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-4079
Vulnerability Analysis
The flaw is an out-of-bounds read [CWE-125] in the LabVIEW component that parses VI files. LabVIEW fails to validate a length or offset field before reading from an internal buffer. When the file is loaded, the parser reads memory outside the intended allocation. Depending on adjacent memory layout, the read can leak sensitive process data or corrupt state that leads to arbitrary code execution in the LabVIEW process. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, since the victim must open the attacker-supplied VI.
Root Cause
The root cause is a missing bounds check on data structures embedded in VI files. LabVIEW trusts size or index values contained in the file and dereferences them without validating them against the actual buffer length. Attackers craft the file so that the offending field points beyond the valid buffer, forcing the parser into out-of-bounds memory. See the NI Security Advisory: LabVIEW Vulnerability for vendor-confirmed technical scope.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious VI file through email, shared storage, a project repository, or a supply-chain compromise of LabVIEW modules. When an engineer opens the file in LabVIEW, the parser triggers the out-of-bounds read. Code execution runs with the privileges of the LabVIEW user, which on engineering and test workstations is often elevated to interact with connected hardware.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is available at this time, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. See the NI Security Advisory: LabVIEW Vulnerability for further technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-4079
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected LabVIEW.exe process crashes or Windows Error Reporting entries following the opening of an external VI file.
- Child processes spawned by LabVIEW.exe such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or rundll32.exe shortly after file open.
- Inbound VI, .llb, or .lvproj files delivered from untrusted email senders, external shares, or non-repository sources.
- Outbound network connections from the LabVIEW process to unfamiliar hosts immediately after loading a new project.
Detection Strategies
- Alert on process-lineage anomalies where LabVIEW.exe spawns scripting or shell interpreters, which is atypical for engineering workflows.
- Baseline normal file-write and network activity for LabVIEW hosts and flag deviations after new VI files are opened.
- Hunt for LabVIEW crash telemetry correlated with recently downloaded or received VI artifacts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest endpoint telemetry from engineering and OT workstations into a central data lake for cross-host correlation.
- Monitor email and file-sharing gateways for VI, .llb, and .lvproj attachments originating outside trusted engineering teams.
- Track LabVIEW version inventory and flag hosts still running 2024 Q1 or earlier without the vendor patch applied.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-4079
Immediate Actions Required
- Inventory all systems running NI LabVIEW and identify versions at or below 2024 Q1.
- Apply the fixed release listed in the NI Security Advisory: LabVIEW Vulnerability.
- Instruct engineers to open VI files only from vetted, internal repositories until patching is complete.
- Restrict local administrator rights on LabVIEW workstations to limit the blast radius of code execution.
Patch Information
NI has published fixes and mitigation guidance in the vendor advisory. Refer to the NI Security Advisory: LabVIEW Vulnerability for the specific patched versions and download locations for each supported LabVIEW release train.
Workarounds
- Block delivery of VI, .llb, and .lvproj files from external senders at email and web gateways.
- Store LabVIEW project files in access-controlled repositories and enforce code review on shared VI assets.
- Run LabVIEW under a standard user account rather than an administrator to reduce the impact of successful exploitation.
- Segment engineering workstations from general corporate networks to limit lateral movement following compromise.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
