CVE-2025-2501
📋 TL;DR
An untrusted search path vulnerability in Lenovo PC Manager allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges by placing malicious DLLs in directories searched by the application. This affects Windows systems running vulnerable versions of Lenovo PC Manager. Attackers must have local access to the system to exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- Lenovo PC Manager
📦 What is this software?
Pcmanager by Lenovo
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with administrative privileges, enabling installation of persistent malware, data theft, and lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security controls, install additional malware, or access restricted system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper access controls, application whitelisting, and regular patching in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to place malicious DLLs in specific directories. No public exploit code has been reported as of the advisory date.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 6.0.1.1020
Vendor Advisory: https://iknow.lenovo.com.cn/detail/428586
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Lenovo PC Manager. 2. Check for updates in settings. 3. Install version 6.0.1.1020 or later. 4. Restart the system to complete the update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable software
windowsUninstall Lenovo PC Manager if not required for system functionality
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Lenovo PC Manager > Uninstall
Restrict DLL search paths
windowsConfigure Windows to use safe DLL search mode
Set registry key HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\SafeDllSearchMode to 1
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges
- Deploy application control policies to prevent unauthorized DLL execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Lenovo PC Manager version in Settings > About. If version is below 6.0.1.1020, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wmic product where name="Lenovo PC Manager" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Lenovo PC Manager version is 6.0.1.1020 or higher after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing DLL loading from unusual paths
- Process creation events with unexpected parent-child relationships
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Lenovo PC Manager processes
SIEM Query:
source="Windows Security" AND event_id=4688 AND process_name="*pcmanager*" AND parent_process_name!="explorer.exe"