CVE-2025-60865
📋 TL;DR
A local privilege escalation vulnerability in avanquest Driver Updater allows attackers with local access to gain SYSTEM-level privileges through the Driver Updater Service. This affects users running vulnerable versions of the software on Windows systems. The vulnerability stems from improper access controls in the service component.
💻 Affected Systems
- avanquest Driver Updater (PCHelpsoft Driver 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
Complete system compromise with SYSTEM privileges, enabling installation of malware, data theft, persistence mechanisms, and disabling of security controls.
Likely Case
Local attacker gains administrative privileges to install unwanted software, modify system configurations, or access sensitive data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper endpoint protection, least privilege principles, and application control are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Proof-of-concept code is publicly available on GitHub. Exploitation requires local access but is straightforward once access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: https://www.pchelpsoft.com/products/driver-updater/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Check vendor website for security updates. 2. If update available, download and install. 3. Verify service permissions are corrected. 4. Monitor vendor communications for patch release.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Driver Updater Service
windowsStop and disable the vulnerable service to prevent exploitation
sc stop "Driver Updater Service"
sc config "Driver Updater Service" start= disabled
Remove Software
windowsUninstall avanquest Driver Updater completely
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Driver Updater > Uninstall
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent unauthorized service execution
- Enforce least privilege principles and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if Driver Updater Service is running and version matches vulnerable range: Open Services.msc, look for 'Driver Updater Service'Check Version:
Check program version in Control Panel > Programs or examine installed software registry keysVerify Fix Applied:
Verify service is stopped/disabled or software is uninstalled. Check service permissions if patched version is installed.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected service starts/stops for Driver Updater Service
- Privilege escalation attempts in security logs
- Process creation with SYSTEM privileges from non-admin users
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND NewProcessName contains 'Driver Updater' AND SubjectUserName != SYSTEM