CVE-2025-4098 Overview
CVE-2025-4098 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability [CWE-125] affecting Horner Automation Cscape version 10.0 (10.0.415.2) SP1. The flaw allows an attacker to disclose sensitive information from process memory and execute arbitrary code on affected installations. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction, typically by convincing a user to open a crafted project file in Cscape. CISA published advisory ICSA-25-128-01 covering this vulnerability in the industrial control systems (ICS) engineering software used to program Horner controllers.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation enables memory disclosure and arbitrary code execution within the context of the Cscape engineering workstation, providing attackers a foothold to pivot into operational technology (OT) environments.
Affected Products
- Horner Automation Cscape version 10.0 (10.0.415.2) SP1
- Engineering workstations running the affected Cscape build
- Environments that use Cscape to program Horner controllers
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-05-08 - CVE-2025-4098 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-4098
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read in Cscape's file parsing logic. When the application processes a malformed project file, it reads memory beyond the bounds of an allocated buffer. The read operation exposes adjacent process memory contents to the attacker-controlled parsing flow. According to the CISA advisory, the condition can be leveraged not only for information disclosure but also for arbitrary code execution.
Cscape is engineering software used to configure Horner Operator Control Stations (OCS) controllers. Compromise of an engineering workstation gives attackers the ability to alter controller logic, harvest project files, and stage further attacks against connected OT assets.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper bounds validation when parsing structured fields inside a Cscape project file. The application trusts length or offset values embedded in the file without verifying them against the actual allocated buffer size. A crafted file containing oversized or negative offsets forces the parser to read memory outside the intended region, classified as [CWE-125] Out-of-Bounds Read.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious Cscape project file through email, removable media, a shared network location, or a supply chain compromise. The victim opens the file in Cscape, triggering the parser flaw. Because Cscape runs in the user context on the engineering workstation, code execution inherits that user's privileges and access to controllers.
No verified public exploit code is available for CVE-2025-4098. Technical details are limited to the description in the CISA ICS Advisory ICSA-25-128-01.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-4098
Indicators of Compromise
- Cscape process crashes or unexpected exceptions when opening project files from untrusted sources
- Unsolicited Cscape project files (.csp and related extensions) arriving via email or removable media
- Engineering workstations spawning child processes or network connections shortly after a Cscape file open event
- Anomalous read access to Cscape installation directories from non-engineering user accounts
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for Cscape executable launches followed by suspicious process creation, scripting interpreters, or command shells
- Inspect endpoint telemetry for file write events that drop Cscape project files into user profile or shared folders from untrusted origins
- Correlate engineering workstation activity with outbound network connections to non-corporate destinations following project file access
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed process and file telemetry on all engineering workstations that run Cscape
- Forward endpoint logs from OT engineering hosts into a centralized analytics platform for cross-asset correlation
- Track Cscape version inventory to confirm which hosts still run the vulnerable 10.0.415.2 SP1 build
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-4098
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all hosts running Cscape 10.0.415.2 SP1 and prioritize them for remediation
- Restrict opening of Cscape project files to those originating from trusted, verified sources
- Isolate engineering workstations on a dedicated network segment with strict egress controls
- Apply the principle of least privilege so Cscape runs without administrative rights where feasible
Patch Information
Refer to the CISA ICS Advisory ICSA-25-128-01 for vendor-provided remediation guidance and updated Cscape releases. Operators should coordinate with Horner Automation to obtain the patched version and validate it against existing project files before deployment.
Workarounds
- Block delivery of Cscape project files through email gateways and disable autorun on removable media
- Use application allowlisting to prevent unsigned or unexpected processes from launching from the Cscape working directory
- Require multi-person review before opening any externally received Cscape project files
- Maintain offline, verified backups of legitimate project files to support recovery after suspected tampering
# Inventory hosts running the vulnerable Cscape build on Windows
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | \
Where-Object { $_.Name -like 'Cscape*' -and $_.Version -eq '10.0.415.2' } | \
Select-Object PSComputerName, Name, Version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
