CVE-2025-2102 in Passwordless
Summary
by MITRE • 05/21/2025
Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') vulnerability in HYPR Passwordless on Windows allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects HYPR Passwordless: before 10.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in HYPR Passwordless version 10.0 and earlier on Windows systems, classified under the CWE-381 weakness category which specifically addresses improper link resolution before file access. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of symbolic links and hard links during file operations, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate file access paths to gain elevated privileges. The flaw occurs when the application follows symbolic links without proper verification of the target file's integrity or authorization status, allowing attackers to redirect file operations to unintended locations. This weakness directly enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code with higher privileges than initially granted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the Windows file system's link resolution mechanisms, where the HYPR Passwordless application fails to properly validate the final resolved path of file operations. When processing user inputs or configuration files that may contain symbolic links, the system does not adequately verify that the resolved target path matches expected security boundaries. This creates a window where an attacker can place a malicious symbolic link in a location that the application will traverse, effectively allowing them to access files or execute code that would normally be restricted. The issue particularly affects Windows environments where symbolic links are commonly used for system administration and application functionality, making it a significant concern for enterprise deployments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data compromise and system takeover scenarios. An attacker exploiting this flaw could gain access to sensitive system files, modify critical application components, or establish persistence mechanisms within the Windows environment. The vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization framework of HYPR Passwordless, potentially allowing unauthorized users to bypass the passwordless authentication process entirely. This creates a cascading security risk where the compromise of a single component can lead to broader system infiltration and data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where HYPR Passwordless is deployed for secure authentication, as it undermines the core security assumptions of the passwordless authentication model.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching to HYPR Passwordless version 10.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper link resolution validation. Organizations should implement strict file system access controls and audit symbolic link usage within the application's operational environment. The remediation process should include comprehensive scanning for existing symbolic links that may be exploitable, followed by proper validation of all file access operations to ensure that resolved paths match expected security boundaries. Security teams should also implement monitoring for anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, following the principle of least privilege and implementing mandatory access controls can help limit the impact if exploitation occurs, while regular security assessments should verify that no other applications within the environment suffer from similar link resolution vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and demonstrates how improper input validation can create critical security gaps in authentication systems.