CVE-2025-36461
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to trigger memory corruption through specially crafted WinBioControlUnit API calls to Dell ControlVault biometric security components. Attackers can exploit out-of-bounds read/write vulnerabilities to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause system crashes. Affected systems include Dell devices with ControlVault3 or ControlVault3 Plus biometric security modules.
💻 Affected Systems
- Dell ControlVault3
- Dell ControlVault3 Plus
⚠️ 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 arbitrary code execution leading to complete control of affected systems, credential theft, and lateral movement within networks.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation, denial of service, or information disclosure from memory corruption.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper patch management and restricted access controls preventing exploitation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires understanding of WinBioControlUnit API and ability to craft specific calls with invalid buffer sizes. No public exploit code available at disclosure.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: ControlVault3: 5.15.14.19+, ControlVault3 Plus: 6.2.36.47+
Vendor Advisory: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000326061/dsa-2025-228
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest ControlVault driver from Dell Support. 2. Install updated driver package. 3. Restart system to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable biometric authentication
windowsTemporarily disable ControlVault biometric functionality to prevent WinBioControlUnit calls
Restrict WinBioControlUnit API access
windowsUse application control policies to restrict access to biometric API functions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized users from executing code on affected systems
- Monitor for suspicious WinBioControlUnit API calls and implement application whitelisting
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check ControlVault driver version in Device Manager under Biometric Devices or via Dell Command Update utilityCheck Version:
wmic path Win32_PnPSignedDriver where "DeviceName like '%ControlVault%'" get DeviceName, DriverVersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version is 5.15.14.19 or higher for ControlVault3, or 6.2.36.47 or higher for ControlVault3 Plus📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed WinBioControlUnit API calls with specific control codes
- Biometric service crashes or unexpected restarts
- Memory access violation events in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual local process communication with biometric services
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 OR EventID=1001 AND SourceName='Application Error' AND ProcessName contains 'WinBio'