CVE-2025-12418
📋 TL;DR
A symlink vulnerability in Revenera InstallShield allows local administrators to cause denial of service during uninstallation. When removing a user-writable configuration directory, following a symlink can lead to unintended file deletion. This affects all supported versions of InstallShield 2025 R1, 2024 R2, 2023 R2, and prior.
💻 Affected Systems
- Revenera InstallShield
⚠️ 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
Critical system files could be deleted via symlink manipulation, causing complete system failure or data loss requiring restoration from backups.
Likely Case
Local administrators could delete arbitrary files accessible to the InstallShield process, potentially disrupting system functionality or applications.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, impact is limited to files within the InstallShield user context, but still poses availability risk.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local administrator access, symlink creation, and specific uninstallation scenario. Not trivial but feasible for determined attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: InstallShield2025R1-CVE-2025-12418-SecurityPatch, InstallShield2024R2-CVE-2025-12418-SecurityPatch, InstallShield2023R2-CVE-2025-12418-SecurityPatch
Vendor Advisory: https://community.revenera.com/s/article/CVE-2025-12418-Potential-Unintended-File-Deletion-Issue-Caused-by-InstallShield-Suite-Uninstallation-Process
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download appropriate hotfix for your InstallShield version from Revenera. 2. Close all InstallShield applications. 3. Run the hotfix installer as administrator. 4. Restart system. 5. Verify installation through InstallShield About dialog.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict symlink creation
windowsPrevent users from creating symbolic links in InstallShield configuration directories
icacls "C:\ProgramData\InstallShield\" /deny *S-1-1-0:(OI)(CI)(DE,DC)
Monitor uninstallation activities
windowsImplement auditing for InstallShield uninstallation processes and file deletion events
auditpol /set /subcategory:"File System" /success:enable /failure:enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls on InstallShield configuration directories
- Monitor and audit all uninstallation activities involving InstallShield
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check InstallShield version in About dialog. If version is 2025 R1, 2024 R2, 2023 R2 or earlier without hotfix, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check InstallShield version via: Start Menu > InstallShield > About InstallShieldVerify Fix Applied:
Verify hotfix installation through Windows Programs and Features or InstallShield About dialog showing patched version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Event ID 4663 (File deletion) from InstallShield processes
- Unusual file deletion patterns during uninstallation
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="windows" AND event_id=4663 AND process_name="InstallShield*" AND object_type="File" AND access_mask="0x10000"