SYSTEM privilege escalation via plugin-directory race
Published Apr 17, 2025 · Updated Apr 17, 2025
Privilege escalation in Nullsoft Scriptable Install System before 3.11 allows local users to gain SYSTEM during installation. EW_CREATEDIR can ignore a CreateRestrictedDirectory failure, allowing an unprivileged user to win a race and populate $PLUGINSDIR under %WINDIR%\temp with executable files. Exploitation requires an installer already running as SYSTEM and successful race timing; loaded attacker files then execute with SYSTEM privileges.
Summary
What happened
Privilege escalation in Nullsoft Scriptable Install System before 3.11 allows local users to gain SYSTEM during installation. EW_CREATEDIR can ignore a CreateRestrictedDirectory failure, allowing an unprivileged user to win a race and populate $PLUGINSDIR under %WINDIR%\temp with executable files. Exploitation requires an installer already running as SYSTEM and successful race timing; loaded attacker files then execute with SYSTEM privileges.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2025-43715
- Published
- Apr 17, 2025
- Updated
- Apr 17, 2025
- Vendor
- Nullsoft
- Product
- Nullsoft Scriptable Install System
- Classifications
- CWE-754, T1574.001
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Apr 17, 2025CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Apr 17, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=0 <3.11
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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