CVE-2025-20974 in PackageInstallerCN
Summary
by MITRE • 05/07/2025
Improper handling of insufficient permission in PackageInstallerCN prior to version 15.0.11.0 allows local attacker to bypass user interaction for requested installation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20974 represents a critical security flaw in the PackageInstallerCN component affecting versions prior to 15.0.11.0. This issue falls under the category of improper permission handling, specifically concerning the validation and enforcement of user interaction requirements during software installation processes. The vulnerability stems from inadequate verification mechanisms that fail to properly enforce permission checks when installing packages, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent intended security controls.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the PackageInstallerCN module failing to adequately validate whether proper user consent has been obtained before proceeding with installation operations. This misconfiguration allows local attackers to manipulate the installation flow by bypassing the standard user interaction prompts that should normally require explicit approval before package installation can proceed. The vulnerability essentially creates a condition where installation requests can be fulfilled without the required user acknowledgment, undermining the fundamental security principle of user consent and system integrity.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system security and user privacy. Local attackers with minimal privileges can exploit this flaw to install malicious software without user awareness or consent, potentially leading to unauthorized system modifications, data theft, or the deployment of persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond immediate installation bypasses, as it compromises the overall security posture of affected systems by weakening the installation process validation controls that are essential for maintaining system integrity. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where user interaction is expected to be mandatory for package installations, creating a false sense of security that can be easily exploited.
The flaw aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1218 related to application installation and execution. Organizations utilizing affected versions of PackageInstallerCN should immediately implement mitigation strategies including prompt patching to version 15.0.11.0 or later, enhanced monitoring of installation activities, and review of existing access control policies. Additional protective measures should include implementing stricter user permission controls, conducting regular security assessments of installation processes, and ensuring that all system components properly enforce user interaction requirements. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper permission handling in system components that manage sensitive operations such as software installation and system modifications.