CVE-2025-2450: NI Vision Builder AI RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-2450 Overview

CVE-2025-2450 is a remote code execution vulnerability affecting NI Vision Builder AI. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations by exploiting a flaw in the processing of VBAI files. The issue stems from the application allowing the execution of dangerous scripts without providing adequate user warnings or consent dialogs.

User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability—the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. Once triggered, an attacker can leverage this flaw to execute code in the context of the current user, potentially leading to full system compromise depending on user privileges.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code on affected systems through malicious VBAI files without user warning, enabling full system compromise in the context of the current user.

Affected Products

• NI Vision Builder AI 2023 Q3
• NI Vision Builder AI (all versions prior to patch)

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-03-18 - CVE-2025-2450 published to NVD
• 2025-08-18 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-2450

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability (tracked as ZDI-CAN-22833) exists within the VBAI file processing functionality of NI Vision Builder AI. The application fails to implement proper security controls when handling VBAI project files, specifically lacking adequate warnings before executing embedded scripts or macros within these files.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-356 (Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions), indicating a design flaw where the user interface fails to provide appropriate warnings before executing potentially dangerous operations. When a user opens a malicious VBAI file, the application processes and executes embedded code without displaying security warnings or requiring explicit user consent.

The attack requires network-based delivery (such as email attachments or malicious web pages) and user interaction to open the crafted file. However, once the file is opened, code execution occurs automatically without additional user consent, making social engineering attacks particularly effective.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-2450 lies in the insufficient security controls during VBAI file parsing. NI Vision Builder AI processes VBAI project files without implementing proper sandboxing or warning mechanisms for embedded executable content. The application trusts the contents of VBAI files implicitly, allowing dangerous script execution paths without user notification.

This design flaw means that any embedded scripting or automation features within VBAI files execute immediately upon file processing, bypassing the principle of least surprise and violating secure-by-default design patterns.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring user interaction. An attacker can craft a malicious VBAI file containing embedded scripts designed to execute arbitrary commands. The attack scenario typically follows this pattern:

1. Attacker creates a malicious VBAI file with embedded dangerous scripts
2. The file is delivered to the target via email, malicious website, or file sharing
3. Target user opens the VBAI file in NI Vision Builder AI
4. The application processes the file and executes the embedded scripts without warning
5. Arbitrary code executes in the context of the current user

The lack of user warning makes this particularly dangerous, as users have no opportunity to cancel the operation before malicious code runs. For detailed technical information, refer to the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-25-147.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-2450

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected VBAI files appearing in download directories or email attachments
• NI Vision Builder AI spawning child processes or network connections immediately after opening project files
• Unusual system behavior or process execution following VBAI file access
• Windows Event logs showing suspicious process creation events with NI Vision Builder AI as the parent process

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file access patterns for .vbai files from untrusted sources or temporary internet directories
• Implement endpoint detection rules for NI Vision Builder AI spawning shell processes (cmd.exe, powershell.exe)
• Deploy email gateway rules to quarantine VBAI file attachments from unknown senders
• Use application whitelisting to restrict which applications can execute scripts or spawn child processes

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable process creation auditing on endpoints running NI Vision Builder AI
• Configure SIEM alerts for anomalous behavior patterns associated with vision application software
• Monitor network traffic from machines running NI Vision Builder AI for unexpected outbound connections
• Implement file integrity monitoring for directories commonly used by NI Vision Builder AI

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-2450

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict VBAI file access to trusted sources only and implement strict file origin verification
• Disable automatic file association for .vbai files in enterprise environments until patching is complete
• Educate users about the risks of opening VBAI files from untrusted sources
• Implement application control policies to monitor NI Vision Builder AI execution behavior

Patch Information

Organizations should consult NI (National Instruments) for official security updates addressing this vulnerability. Review the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-25-147 for vendor response details and patch availability. Ensure all instances of NI Vision Builder AI are updated to the latest available version that addresses this security flaw.

Workarounds

• Configure email and web gateways to block or quarantine VBAI file attachments
• Implement network segmentation to isolate systems running NI Vision Builder AI from sensitive resources
• Use virtualized or sandboxed environments when opening VBAI files from potentially untrusted sources
• Deploy endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious script execution patterns

# Configuration example - Block VBAI files at mail gateway
# Example Postfix header_checks rule
/name=".*\.vbai"/ REJECT VBAI files blocked for security reasons

# Windows Group Policy - Disable auto-open for VBAI files
# Set file association to open with notepad or blocked application
assoc .vbai=txtfile