CVE-2025-43990
📋 TL;DR
Dell Command Monitor versions before 10.12.3.28 contain a privilege escalation vulnerability where local low-privileged users can execute code with unnecessary elevated privileges. This allows attackers to gain higher system permissions than intended. Organizations using affected Dell systems with vulnerable DCM versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Dell Command Monitor
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise where an attacker gains administrative/root privileges, enabling installation of persistent malware, data theft, or lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security controls, install unauthorized software, or access restricted system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper privilege separation and monitoring, though the vulnerability still presents a security weakness.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and low-privileged user account. No public exploit details available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 10.12.3.28 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000384947/dsa-2025-414
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Dell Command Monitor version 10.12.3.28 or later from Dell Support. 2. Run the installer with administrative privileges. 3. Follow on-screen instructions. 4. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove Dell Command Monitor
windowsUninstall vulnerable DCM version if not required for system functionality
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Dell Command Monitor > Uninstall
Restrict Local Access
allLimit physical and remote local access to affected systems
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege principles and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
- Segment affected systems and restrict lateral movement capabilities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check DCM version in Control Panel > Programs or run 'wmic product get name,version' and look for Dell Command Monitor versionCheck Version:
wmic product where "name like 'Dell Command Monitor%'" get name,versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is 10.12.3.28 or later using same methods📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- DCM process spawning with elevated privileges
- Security log Event ID 4672 (special privileges assigned)
Network Indicators:
- Lateral movement from previously low-privileged systems
SIEM Query:
EventID=4672 AND ProcessName="*DellCommandMonitor*" OR ProcessName="*DCM*"