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CVE-2025-68623

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 0.13%

Last modified

CVE-2025-68623 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. In Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer 9.29.1974.0, a low-privilege user can replace an executable file during the installation process, which may result in unintended elevation of privileges. During installation, the installer runs with HIGH integrity and downloads executables and DLLs to the %TEMP% folder - writable by standard users. EPSS estimates a 0.13% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

In Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer 9.29.1974.0, a low-privilege user can replace an executable file during the installation process, which may result in unintended elevation of privileges. During installation, the installer runs with HIGH integrity and downloads executables and DLLs to the %TEMP% folder - writable by standard users. Subsequently, the installer executes the downloaded executable with HIGH integrity to complete the application installation. However, an attacker can replace the downloaded executable with a malicious, user-controlled executable. When the installer executes this replaced file, it runs the attacker's code with HIGH integrity. Since code running at HIGH integrity can escalate to SYSTEM level by registering and executing a service, this creates a complete privilege escalation chain from standard user to SYSTEM. NOTE: The Supplier disputes this record stating that they have determined this to be the behavior as designed.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1
8.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability
0.13%

2.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Source: CNA advisory (CVE.org). NVD analysis pending.

VendorProductVersions
——n/a

References

Timeline

Published
Last Modified
Status
Awaiting Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-68623?
In Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer 9.29.1974.0, a low-privilege user can replace an executable file during the installation process, which may result in unintended elevation of privileges. During installation, the installer runs with HIGH integrity and downloads executables and DLLs to the %TEMP% folder - writable by standard users. Subsequently, the installer executes the downloaded executable with HIGH integrity to complete the application installation. However, an attacker can replace the downloaded executable with a malicious, user-controlled executable. When the installer executes this replaced file, it runs the attacker's code with HIGH integrity. Since code running at HIGH integrity can escalate to SYSTEM level by registering and executing a service, this creates a complete privilege escalation chain from standard user to SYSTEM. NOTE: The Supplier disputes this record stating that they have determined this to be the behavior as designed.
How severe is CVE-2025-68623?
CVE-2025-68623 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.13% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2025-68623?
Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

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Source: NVD / NIST