CVE-2025-10491 in Server
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2025
The MongoDB Windows installation MSI may leave ACLs unset on custom installation directories allowing a local attacker to introduce executable code to MongoDB's process via DLL hijacking. This issue affects MongoDB Server v6.0 version prior to 6.0.25, MongoDB Server v7.0 version prior to 7.0.21 and MongoDB Server v8.0 version prior to 8.0.5
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-10491 represents a critical access control flaw in MongoDB's Windows installation process that stems from improper handling of access control lists during custom directory installations. This issue specifically impacts MongoDB server versions across multiple release lines including 6.0.x prior to 6.0.25, 7.0.x prior to 7.0.21, and 8.0.x prior to 8.0.5, creating a persistent security weakness that affects organizations running these vulnerable versions. The flaw manifests when users select custom installation paths during the MongoDB Windows MSI setup process, resulting in insufficient permission configuration that creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the Windows installer's failure to properly establish appropriate access control lists on custom installation directories. When MongoDB is installed to a non-default location, the installation process does not adequately configure the necessary permissions that would normally be applied to standard installation paths. This misconfiguration creates a scenario where local attackers can manipulate the directory permissions or place malicious DLL files in locations that MongoDB's process will subsequently load, enabling a form of dynamic link library hijacking. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in access control mechanisms and aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper file permissions and inadequate access control configuration.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant attack surface for local adversaries who may already have some level of system access. The attack vector relies on the principle of least privilege being violated through improper installation configuration, allowing attackers to potentially inject malicious code that executes within the context of the MongoDB service. This creates a persistent backdoor mechanism that could enable unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations, particularly in environments where MongoDB services run with elevated privileges. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it potentially allows for complete system compromise through the MongoDB service's elevated permissions.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access and knowledge of the installation paths, making it more challenging to exploit remotely but still highly concerning for environments where local access is possible. Attackers could leverage this weakness to place malicious DLL files in the installation directory or related paths that MongoDB would load during normal operation, effectively achieving code execution with the privileges of the MongoDB service account. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of MongoDB databases and could enable attackers to exfiltrate sensitive data, modify database contents, or establish persistent access to the system. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation and T1546, covering hijacking execution flows through dynamic link library manipulation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected MongoDB versions to their respective secure releases, with particular attention to the specific version numbers mentioned in the vulnerability description. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of MongoDB installation paths to identify any improperly configured custom installations that may be vulnerable to this attack vector. Additionally, organizations should implement strict access controls on MongoDB installation directories, ensuring that only authorized administrators have write permissions to these locations. The recommended approach includes applying the security patches provided by MongoDB, reviewing and hardening installation configurations, and monitoring for any suspicious file modifications in MongoDB installation directories. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting and monitoring for unusual DLL loading patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.