CVE-2025-7472 in Intercept X
Summary
by MITRE • 07/17/2025
A local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Intercept X for Windows installer prior version 1.22 can lead to a local user gaining system level privileges, if the installer is run as SYSTEM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-7472 represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw within the Intercept X for Windows installer software. This issue specifically affects versions prior to 1.22 and creates a pathway for malicious local users to elevate their privileges to system level access. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of installer execution contexts where the installer process fails to adequately validate or sanitize its operational environment when running with elevated privileges. The flaw manifests when the installer is executed with SYSTEM privileges, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the installation process and gain unauthorized administrative access to the target system. This represents a significant security risk as it directly undermines the principle of least privilege and allows for arbitrary code execution with the highest possible system permissions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-787, representing an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs during installer execution. The installer process does not properly validate input parameters or file permissions when operating under SYSTEM context, creating a window where malicious actors can inject or manipulate installation components. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes local privilege escalation through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities. The vulnerability exists because the installer does not implement proper access control checks or privilege validation mechanisms before executing sensitive system operations. When the installer runs as SYSTEM, it typically has unrestricted access to system resources, but the flawed implementation allows for unauthorized modification of installation artifacts or execution paths that can be leveraged to gain further privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-7472 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to establish persistent system-level access that can be used for various malicious activities. Once a local user successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary commands with full system privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond running the installer, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard security measures. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistence mechanisms that survive system reboots. The vulnerability also poses risks to enterprise environments where multiple users may have access to systems running vulnerable versions of Intercept X for Windows, creating potential for widespread compromise across networked environments.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, starting with updating all instances of Intercept X for Windows to version 1.22 or later. The primary defense mechanism involves ensuring that the installer is not executed with SYSTEM privileges unless absolutely necessary, and that proper access controls are implemented to prevent unauthorized execution. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all systems running vulnerable versions to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual installer execution patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The mitigation approach should also include reviewing and strengthening privilege management policies to ensure that installation processes are not run with unnecessary elevated privileges. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential weaknesses in the system that could be exploited in conjunction with this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious installation activities and privilege escalation attempts.