CVE-2026-64204 Overview
CVE-2026-64204 is a memory corruption vulnerability in NI LabVIEW that can lead to information disclosure or arbitrary code execution. The flaw affects NI LabVIEW 2026 Q3 (26.3.0) and all prior versions. Exploitation requires an attacker to convince a user to open a specially crafted Virtual Instrument (.vi) file. The vulnerability is classified as an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787], a class of memory safety issue that frequently enables code execution on affected hosts. NI has published a security advisory addressing the issue.
Critical Impact
A crafted .vi file can trigger memory corruption in LabVIEW, granting an attacker the ability to disclose sensitive process memory or execute arbitrary code in the context of the user who opened the file.
Affected Products
- NI LabVIEW 2026 Q3 (26.3.0)
- NI LabVIEW prior versions (all releases before 2026 Q3)
- Engineering, test, and measurement workstations running vulnerable LabVIEW builds
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-25 - CVE-2026-64204 published to NVD
- 2026-08-26 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-64204
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-64204 is an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787] in NI LabVIEW's parsing of Virtual Instrument files. LabVIEW .vi files carry structured binary data describing block diagrams, front panels, and embedded resources. When LabVIEW loads a crafted .vi, malformed length fields or type descriptors can drive a write past the bounds of an allocated buffer. The write corrupts adjacent heap or stack memory, which an attacker can shape to influence control flow or leak process memory. Because LabVIEW handles complex nested structures, an attacker has significant flexibility in constructing payloads that reach the vulnerable code path.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient bounds validation on attacker-controlled size or offset values embedded in .vi file structures. LabVIEW trusts the file-supplied metadata when allocating and populating internal buffers, allowing a mismatch between declared and actual sizes to overflow destination memory.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious .vi file through phishing email, a shared engineering repository, a USB drive, or a compromised software package. When a LabVIEW user opens the file, the parser triggers the out-of-bounds write. Successful exploitation yields code execution in the user's security context, which on engineering workstations often includes access to test equipment, industrial control systems, and internal networks.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently available, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Refer to the NI LabVIEW Memory Corruption Advisory for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-64204
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected LabVIEW.exe crashes, especially with access violation exceptions immediately after opening a .vi file
- .vi, .vim, or .llb files arriving from untrusted sources, particularly via email attachments or external drives
- LabVIEW processes spawning unusual child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or rundll32.exe
- Outbound network connections initiated by LabVIEW.exe to unfamiliar hosts shortly after file open
Detection Strategies
- Alert on Windows Error Reporting or crash dumps that reference LabVIEW.exe correlated with recent file open events
- Hunt for LabVIEW parent processes launching interpreters, script hosts, or file droppers, which is atypical for engineering workflows
- Inspect email and file-share telemetry for .vi attachments originating outside the organization
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable EDR process-lineage and command-line logging on hosts with LabVIEW installed
- Forward LabVIEW crash telemetry and Sysmon events to a centralized SIEM for correlation
- Track LabVIEW version inventory across engineering endpoints to prioritize hosts still running 26.3.0 or earlier
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-64204
Immediate Actions Required
- Inventory all hosts running NI LabVIEW and identify systems at or below version 26.3.0
- Apply the vendor-provided patch referenced in the NI LabVIEW Memory Corruption Advisory as soon as it is available for your release channel
- Instruct LabVIEW users to refuse .vi files from untrusted senders and validate the origin of any shared project files
Patch Information
NI has published a security advisory covering memory corruption vulnerabilities in LabVIEW. Administrators should consult the NI LabVIEW Memory Corruption Advisory for the fixed versions applicable to LabVIEW 2026 Q3 and earlier supported releases, and deploy the update through standard software distribution mechanisms.
Workarounds
- Restrict opening of .vi files to trusted internal repositories and signed project archives only
- Run LabVIEW under a standard user account rather than a local administrator to limit post-exploitation impact
- Use application allow-listing and email gateway rules to block .vi, .vim, and .llb attachments from external senders until patching is complete
- Segment engineering workstations from production OT and corporate networks to contain a potential compromise
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
