CVE-2025-36553
📋 TL;DR
A buffer overflow vulnerability in Dell ControlVault3 and ControlVault3 Plus allows memory corruption via specially crafted API calls. Attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code or cause system crashes. This affects Dell systems running vulnerable versions of ControlVault3 firmware.
💻 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
Remote code execution with SYSTEM/root privileges leading to complete system compromise, credential theft, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
System instability, crashes, denial of service, or limited code execution depending on exploit sophistication.
If Mitigated
System crashes or instability without code execution if memory protections are enabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires crafting specific API calls to ControlVault functionality. No public exploits available as of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: ControlVault3: 5.15.14.19 or later, ControlVault3 Plus: 6.2.36.47 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000326061/dsa-2025-228
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download firmware update from Dell Support. 2. Run the firmware update utility. 3. Restart the system. 4. Verify firmware version is updated.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allRestrict network access to systems with ControlVault3 to trusted networks only.
API Access Control
allImplement strict access controls for ControlVault API endpoints if configurable.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems from untrusted networks and users
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized processes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check ControlVault firmware version via Dell Command | Update or system BIOS settings.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion (may show ControlVault info) or check Dell Update utility. On Linux: dmidecode -t biosVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is 5.15.14.19 or later for ControlVault3, or 6.2.36.47 or later for ControlVault3 Plus.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual ControlVault API calls
- System crashes or reboots
- Memory access violations in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic to ControlVault service ports
- Multiple failed API calls followed by buffer overflow patterns
SIEM Query:
source="system_logs" AND ("ControlVault" OR "CvManager") AND ("access violation" OR "buffer overflow" OR "exception")