Overview
This report details a critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-53394, affecting Paramount Macrium Reflect until 2025-06-26. This software flaw allows attackers to run arbitrary code with administrator privileges, posing a serious threat to the security and integrity of systems running the affected version of this software. Given the severity of this vulnerability, it requires immediate attention and mitigation.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-53394
Severity: High (CVSS: 7.7)
Attack Vector: Local File Inclusion
Privileges Required: User
User Interaction: Required
Impact: System compromise and potential data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
Paramount Macrium Reflect | Up to 2025-06-26
How the Exploit Works
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious .mrimgx or .mrbax backup file and placing a renamed executable file (e.g., explorer.exe) in the same directory. When a user with administrative privileges opens the crafted backup file and mounts it, Macrium Reflect runs the renamed executable. The software does not adequately validate companion files referenced during backup mounting, allowing the attacker’s code to execute with administrative privileges.
Conceptual Example Code
This is a conceptual representation of how the vulnerability might be exploited. It includes creating a crafted backup file and a renamed executable, both placed in the same directory.
# Create a malicious backup file
echo "malicious code" > exploit.mrimgx
# Create a renamed executable (e.g., explorer.exe)
echo "malicious code" > explorer.exe
# Place both files in the same directory
mv exploit.mrimgx /path/to/directory
mv explorer.exe /path/to/directoryUpon mounting the `exploit.mrimgx` file, the `explorer.exe` file would execute, running the malicious code with administrative privileges.
Mitigation Guidance
Users are urged to apply the latest patch provided by the vendor to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. As a temporary measure, users can use Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to detect and prevent potential exploits.
