CVE-2025-23375: Incorrect Use of Privileged APIs in Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Reporting

Overview

The world of cybersecurity is laden with vulnerabilities that can potentially compromise systems and leak sensitive data. One such vulnerability, known as CVE-2025-23375, has been identified in Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Reporting, specifically version(s) 19.17. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it involves an Incorrect Use of Privileged APIs, which provides a low privileged attacker with the opportunity to exploit the vulnerability and elevate their privileges. This matter is of utmost importance to all users of the affected software as it could potentially lead to a system compromise or data leakage.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-23375
Severity: High (7.8 CVSS Score)
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Impact: Elevation of privileges leading to potential system compromise or data leakage

Affected Products

Product | Affected Versions

Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Reporting | 19.17

How the Exploit Works

The Incorrect Use of Privileged APIs vulnerability occurs when an application uses privileged APIs in an incorrect manner. In this case, Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Reporting does not correctly implement the Privileged APIs, leaving a loophole for a low privileged attacker to exploit. An attacker with low-level privileges and local access to the system can use this vulnerability to manipulate the Privileged APIs, thereby elevating their privileges within the system.

Conceptual Example Code

Here’s a conceptual example of how the exploit might be invoked:

# Attacker gains low-level access to the system
$ ssh user@target.example.com
# Attacker exploits the vulnerability
$ echo "exploit_code" > /usr/local/Dell_PowerProtect/exploit
$ sudo /usr/local/Dell_PowerProtect/vulnerable_api /usr/local/Dell_PowerProtect/exploit

In this example, the attacker first gains low-level access to the system. They then write their exploit code to a file in the system. Finally, they invoke the vulnerable API with sudo, passing it the exploit code. This results in the elevation of the attacker’s privileges.

Mitigation Guidance

Users are advised to apply the vendor patch to fix this vulnerability. If the patch is not immediately available, users can use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) as a temporary mitigation measure against potential attacks exploiting this vulnerability. Regular patching and keeping systems updated are key to protecting systems from such vulnerabilities.