CVE-2025-10548 is a vulnerability identified in the CleverControl employee monitoring software, specifically version 11.5.1041.6. The core issue is improper TLS certificate validation during the installation process. The installer uses curl.exe with the --insecure flag, which disables certificate verification, allowing an attacker positioned as a man-in-the-middle (MitM) to intercept and manipulate the download of external components. Because these components are executed with SYSTEM privileges, an attacker can deliver malicious payloads that run with full administrative rights on the target system. This vulnerability stems from CWE-295, which relates to improper certificate validation, a critical security failure that undermines the trust model of TLS communications. No patch or vendor response is currently available, and it is assumed that earlier versions may also be vulnerable, though this is unconfirmed. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level, with the vector showing network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and limited confidentiality and availability impact but no integrity impact. The lack of vendor response and patch availability increases the risk for organizations using this software, as attackers could exploit this flaw to gain full control over affected machines remotely without user interaction.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for those using CleverControl software for employee monitoring. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, disruption of business operations, and the deployment of further malware or ransomware. Given the administrative level of access gained, attackers could also move laterally within networks, escalate privileges, and exfiltrate confidential information. The lack of vendor patches means organizations must rely on alternative mitigations, increasing operational risk. Additionally, the use of employee monitoring software is common in sectors with strict compliance requirements (e.g., finance, healthcare, government), so exploitation could lead to regulatory violations under GDPR or other data protection laws, resulting in legal and financial penalties. The vulnerability’s exploitation does not require user interaction or authentication, making it easier for attackers to target organizations remotely, increasing the threat surface.

Since no official patch is available, European organizations should immediately consider the following mitigations: 1) Temporarily discontinue the use of CleverControl employee monitoring software until a secure version is released or switch to alternative monitoring solutions with verified secure update mechanisms. 2) Monitor network traffic for suspicious TLS connections or unusual downloads initiated by the installer, especially those involving curl.exe. 3) Implement network-level protections such as TLS interception detection, strict firewall rules to restrict outbound connections from endpoints running the installer, and use of DNS filtering to block connections to untrusted domains. 4) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and block execution of unauthorized or suspicious binaries with SYSTEM privileges. 5) Educate IT and security teams about this vulnerability to increase vigilance for signs of compromise related to CleverControl installations. 6) If continued use is unavoidable, consider isolating systems running the software in segmented network zones with limited internet access to reduce exposure to MitM attacks. 7) Regularly audit and review installed software versions and configurations to identify and remediate vulnerable installations promptly.