CVE-2025-2272
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability in Forcepoint FIE Endpoint that allows attackers to escalate privileges, inject code, or hijack privileged processes by manipulating DLL search paths. It affects all Forcepoint FIE Endpoint installations before version 25.05.
💻 Affected Systems
- Forcepoint FIE Endpoint
⚠️ 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 with administrative privileges, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal credentials, or pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system configuration changes, or lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper endpoint protection, application whitelisting, and least privilege principles in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to the system but is relatively straightforward once initial access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 25.05 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://support.forcepoint.com/s/article/Security-Advisory-Privilege-Escalation-and-Arbitrary-code-execution-in-F1E-Endpoint
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Forcepoint FIE Endpoint version 25.05 or later from Forcepoint support portal. 2. Run the installer with administrative privileges. 3. Restart the system as prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict DLL Search Path
windowsConfigure Windows to restrict DLL search paths using SafeDllSearchMode and CWDIllegalInDllSearch registry settings.
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager" /v SafeDllSearchMode /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager" /v CWDIllegalInDllSearch /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized DLL loading
- Apply least privilege principles and restrict standard users from writing to system directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Forcepoint FIE Endpoint version in Control Panel > Programs and Features or via command line: wmic product where "name like 'Forcepoint%FIE%'" get versionCheck Version:
wmic product where "name like 'Forcepoint%FIE%'" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 25.05 or higher using the same command and check that no unauthorized DLLs are being loaded by Forcepoint processes.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual DLL loading events from Forcepoint processes in Windows Event Logs (Security/System)
- Process creation events showing Forcepoint processes loading DLLs from unusual locations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Forcepoint processes post-exploitation
SIEM Query:
source="windows" AND (process_name="*forcepoint*" OR process_name="*fie*") AND (event_id=7 OR event_id=11) AND (dll_loaded="*\temp\*" OR dll_loaded="*\users\*")