CVE-2025-4455
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a critical uncontrolled search path vulnerability in Patch My PC Home Updater up to version 5.1.3.0, allowing local attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating DLL loading. The vulnerability affects Windows systems running the vulnerable software and requires local access to exploit.
💻 Affected Systems
- Patch My PC Home Updater
⚠️ 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 administrative privileges, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to unauthorized access to sensitive files and system resources on the affected machine.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application whitelisting and restricted user permissions preventing DLL hijacking.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit has been publicly disclosed but requires local access and specific conditions to execute successfully.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: None available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Check vendor website for updates beyond version 5.1.3.0
2. If update available, download and install
3. Consider alternative software if vendor remains unresponsive
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict DLL Search Path
windowsConfigure Windows to restrict DLL search paths using Group Policy or registry settings
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager" /v SafeDllSearchMode /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
Remove Vulnerable Software
windowsUninstall Patch My PC Home Updater if not essential
appwiz.cpl
Select 'Patch My PC Home Updater' and click Uninstall
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized DLL loading
- Restrict user permissions to prevent local privilege escalation attacks
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check installed version of Patch My PC Home Updater via Control Panel > Programs and FeaturesCheck Version:
wmic product where name="Patch My PC Home Updater" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is newer than 5.1.3.0 or software is removed📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual DLL loading from non-standard paths
- Process creation from Patch My PC Home Updater with suspicious parent processes
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
Process Creation where Image contains "PatchMyPC" and CommandLine contains unusual DLL paths