CVE-2025-11531 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in HP Inc's System Event Utility and Omen Gaming Hub software. The vulnerability stems from improper limitation of pathname inputs (CWE-22), allowing an attacker with local access and low privileges to execute files outside of the intended restricted directories. This could enable unauthorized execution of arbitrary files, potentially leading to privilege escalation or unauthorized code execution within the context of the affected utility. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and has a CVSS 4.8 score, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring low attack complexity (AC:L) and low privileges (PR:L), but no authentication or user interaction is needed. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is limited but present, as unauthorized file execution could compromise system integrity and potentially leak sensitive information. HP addressed this vulnerability in System Event Utility version 3.2.12 and Omen Gaming Hub version 1101.2511.101.0, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. Organizations using earlier versions of these HP utilities remain vulnerable if local users can leverage this flaw.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-11531 lies in the potential for unauthorized local users to execute files outside designated directories, which could lead to unauthorized code execution or privilege escalation. This may compromise system integrity and confidentiality, especially in environments where multiple users share systems or where endpoint security is critical. Although the vulnerability requires local access and low privileges, it could be exploited by malicious insiders or through compromised accounts. The availability impact is minimal, but the integrity and confidentiality risks warrant attention. Organizations relying on HP System Event Utility and Omen Gaming Hub on employee workstations or gaming devices may face increased risk if patches are not applied promptly. This vulnerability could also be leveraged as part of a multi-stage attack chain to gain deeper system access or persistence.

To mitigate CVE-2025-11531, European organizations should immediately update HP System Event Utility to version 3.2.12 or later and Omen Gaming Hub to version 1101.2511.101.0 or later. Additionally, organizations should audit and restrict local user permissions to minimize the risk of exploitation by low-privilege users. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection controls to detect and prevent unauthorized file execution. Regularly monitor logs for suspicious activity related to these utilities. Employ network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the impact of any local compromise. Finally, educate users about the risks of running untrusted software and maintain an up-to-date inventory of installed HP software versions to ensure timely patching.