CVE-2025-11178
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a DLL hijacking vulnerability in Acronis True Image products for Windows that allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Attackers can place malicious DLLs in directories where the application searches for them, potentially executing arbitrary code with higher privileges. Users of affected Acronis True Image versions on Windows systems are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Acronis True Image (Windows)
- Acronis True Image for Western Digital (Windows)
- Acronis True Image for SanDisk (Windows)
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise where an attacker gains SYSTEM/administrator privileges, installs persistent malware, accesses sensitive data, or disables security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass user account controls, install additional malware, or access restricted system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper application whitelisting, DLL search path restrictions, and least privilege principles are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
DLL hijacking vulnerabilities typically have low exploitation complexity but require local access and ability to write to specific directories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Acronis True Image build 42386 or later, Acronis True Image for Western Digital build 42636 or later, Acronis True Image for SanDisk build 42679 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://security-advisory.acronis.com/advisories/SEC-7078
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Acronis True Image. 2. Go to Help > Check for updates. 3. Follow prompts to download and install the latest version. 4. Restart your computer after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict DLL search paths
windowsUse Windows policies or application control solutions to restrict where applications can load DLLs from.
Remove write permissions from application directories
windowsRemove write permissions for non-administrative users from directories where Acronis True Image searches for DLLs.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Uninstall affected Acronis True Image versions if not essential
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent unauthorized DLL loading
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Acronis True Image version in Help > About. If version is below the patched builds listed, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
Not applicable - check version through application GUIVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Acronis True Image version is at or above the patched builds: 42386 for standard version, 42636 for WD version, 42679 for SanDisk version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing DLL loading from unusual locations
- Process Monitor logs showing DLL hijacking attempts
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
EventID=7 OR EventID=11 from Sysmon showing DLL loading from non-standard paths for Acronis processes