Overview
This report examines the vulnerability CVE-2025-10491, a significant security issue affecting MongoDB Server installations on Windows platforms. The vulnerability, if exploited, allows local attackers to inject malicious code into MongoDB’s process via DLL hijacking, potentially leading to system compromise or data leakage. This vulnerability is especially concerning for organizations relying on MongoDB Server versions v6.0, v7.0, and v8.0.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-10491
Severity: High (CVSS: 7.8)
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
MongoDB Server | v6.0 to 6.0.24
MongoDB Server | v7.0 to 7.0.20
MongoDB Server | v8.0 to 8.0.4
How the Exploit Works
The exploit takes advantage of the MongoDB Windows installation process, which may leave Access Control Lists (ACLs) unset on custom installation directories. An attacker with local access can exploit this oversight by introducing malicious DLL files into these directories. When the MongoDB Server process loads these hijacked DLLs, the malicious code is executed, potentially leading to system compromise or data leakage.
Conceptual Example Code
While the exact method will depend on the system’s specifics, a conceptual example of the DLL hijacking process could look like this:
# gain local access and navigate to the custom installation directory
cd C:\path\to\mongodb\installation\directory
# introduce the malicious DLL
cp C:\path\to\malicious.dll .
# rename the malicious DLL to match a DLL that MongoDB Server is expected to load
mv malicious.dll expected.dllIn this example, `expected.dll` would be the name of a legitimate DLL that the MongoDB Server process is expecting to load. When the MongoDB Server process tries to load the `expected.dll`, it loads the malicious DLL instead, executing the hostile code.