CVE-2025-26262
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Linux Malware Detect (LMD) allows attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code by supplying a file with a specially crafted filename. It affects systems running LMD v1.6.5 where the vulnerable component is accessible. Attackers could potentially gain root access on affected systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- R-fx Networks Linux Malware Detect
⚠️ 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 root-level code execution, allowing complete control over the affected system, data theft, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation to root, enabling installation of backdoors, persistence mechanisms, or further exploitation of the system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions and access controls prevent unauthorized users from interacting with the vulnerable component.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to supply a crafted filename. The CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command) suggests command injection.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check CHANGELOG for versions after v1.6.5
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/rfxn/linux-malware-detect/blob/master/CHANGELOG
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Check current version with 'maldet --version'. 2. Update LMD using your package manager or from source: 'git clone https://github.com/rfxn/linux-malware-detect.git && cd linux-malware-detect && sh install.sh'. 3. Verify update with 'maldet --version'.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict file permissions
linuxLimit access to the /internals/functions directory to prevent unauthorized users from exploiting the vulnerability.
chmod 700 /usr/local/maldetect/internals/functions
chown root:root /usr/local/maldetect/internals/functions
Disable vulnerable component
linuxTemporarily disable or remove execute permissions on the specific vulnerable function if identified.
chmod -x /usr/local/maldetect/internals/functions/[vulnerable-file]
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can interact with LMD files and directories.
- Monitor system logs for unusual file creation or privilege escalation attempts related to LMD.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if LMD version is 1.6.5: run 'maldet --version' or check installed package version.Check Version:
maldet --versionVerify Fix Applied:
After update, confirm version is newer than 1.6.5 using 'maldet --version'.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file operations in /internals/functions directory
- Privilege escalation attempts in system logs (e.g., sudo, su)
- Suspicious command execution from LMD processes
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from LMD processes to unexpected destinations
SIEM Query:
source="linux-malware-detect" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR event="command_injection")