CVE-2025-10714 is an unquoted search path vulnerability (CWE-428) found in the AXIS Optimizer product by Axis Communications AB. This vulnerability arises when the software's executable or related binaries are located in a directory path that contains spaces but is not enclosed in quotes in system or application startup scripts or service configurations. On Windows systems, this can cause the OS to incorrectly resolve the executable path, allowing an attacker to place a malicious executable in a higher-priority directory in the search path. In this case, an attacker with local access and the ability to write to the AXIS Optimizer installation directory can exploit this flaw to escalate privileges. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.4 (high), reflecting the vulnerability's potential to compromise system integrity and availability without requiring user interaction. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that exploitation affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. Although no public exploits are known yet, the vulnerability poses a significant risk in environments where local access is possible, such as shared workstations or compromised accounts. The vulnerability was published on November 11, 2025, and no patches or mitigations are currently linked, emphasizing the need for proactive defense measures.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, especially in sectors relying on Axis Communications' AXIS Optimizer software for video surveillance or network device management. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges from a limited user account to higher administrative levels, potentially leading to unauthorized system modifications, disruption of security monitoring functions, or deployment of persistent malware. This could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical security infrastructure. Organizations with shared or multi-user Windows environments are particularly at risk, as local access might be easier to obtain. The vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within networks if attackers gain elevated privileges on one machine. Given the high CVSS score and changed scope, the threat could extend beyond the AXIS Optimizer application, affecting broader system components and services. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future exploitation, especially as attackers often target unquoted search path vulnerabilities once disclosed.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should first verify if AXIS Optimizer is deployed within their environment and identify the installation paths. Immediate steps include: 1) Restrict write permissions on the AXIS Optimizer installation directory to trusted administrators only, preventing unauthorized users from placing malicious executables. 2) Manually inspect and correct any unquoted paths in service configurations, startup scripts, or environment variables related to AXIS Optimizer by enclosing paths with spaces in double quotes. 3) Implement application whitelisting or endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block unauthorized executable files in critical directories. 4) Monitor local user activities and file system changes in the AXIS Optimizer directories for suspicious behavior. 5) Coordinate with Axis Communications for official patches or updates and apply them promptly once available. 6) Educate local users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation and enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize attack surface. 7) Consider isolating systems running AXIS Optimizer from general user environments to limit local access opportunities.