CVE-2025-65807 in sd
Summary
by MITRE • 12/10/2025
An issue in sd command v1.0.0 and before allows attackers to escalate privileges to root via a crafted command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-65807 resides within the sd command version 1.0.0 and earlier releases, presenting a critical privilege escalation flaw that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain root access on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the command execution mechanism within the sd utility, which is commonly used for system administration tasks and process management. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper privilege handling during command processing, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The sd command typically operates with elevated permissions to perform system-level operations, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. Attackers can craft specific command sequences or arguments that bypass normal security checks, allowing them to execute commands that should otherwise be restricted to privileged users only. This vulnerability directly impacts system integrity and can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully.
The technical root cause of this privilege escalation vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management in software systems. The flaw manifests when the sd command fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before executing system commands, creating a condition where crafted inputs can manipulate the command execution flow. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of command injection and privilege escalation, where malicious input can be interpreted by the system as legitimate commands. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate system tools to execute malicious payloads, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes the use of legitimate credentials and system tools to escalate privileges. The command processing logic does not adequately separate user-controlled input from system commands, allowing attackers to inject malicious parameters that are then executed with root privileges. This misconfiguration in input handling creates a direct path from user-level execution to system-level control.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-65807 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware on compromised systems. Once an attacker gains root access through this vulnerability, they can modify system files, install backdoors, or manipulate security configurations to maintain long-term access. The vulnerability affects systems where the sd command is installed and used for administrative tasks, particularly those running older versions of the software package. Organizations relying on automated system management or orchestration tools that utilize the sd command may face significant operational risks. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including local privilege escalation, remote exploitation if the command is exposed through network services, or through compromised accounts with access to systems running vulnerable sd versions. Security incident response becomes complex as the attack may appear to originate from legitimate system administration activities, complicating forensic analysis and threat hunting efforts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-65807 should prioritize immediate patching of affected sd command versions to address the privilege escalation flaw. Organizations must ensure all systems running vulnerable versions are updated to the latest stable release that contains the necessary security fixes. Access controls should be strengthened to limit who can execute the sd command, implementing principle of least privilege and role-based access controls. System administrators should monitor for unauthorized execution of the sd command and implement logging mechanisms that can detect suspicious command sequences. Network segmentation and firewall rules can be configured to restrict access to systems running vulnerable sd versions, particularly those exposed to untrusted networks. Security monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running outdated sd command versions. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and using security tools that can prevent command injection attacks will provide additional layers of defense. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing system workflows while maintaining the security posture against this critical privilege escalation vulnerability.