CVE-2025-11575 identifies an incorrect default permissions vulnerability (CWE-276) in the MongoDB Atlas SQL ODBC driver for Windows, affecting versions from 1.0.0 through 2.0.0. This vulnerability allows privilege escalation by granting excessive permissions to files or components installed by the driver, which can be exploited by a user with limited privileges to elevate their access rights on the system. The issue arises because the driver’s installation or operational files are configured with permissions that are too permissive, enabling unauthorized modification or replacement by lower-privileged users. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H, I:H, A:H). This means an attacker with some local access can exploit the vulnerability without needing further user action, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is specific to Windows platforms where the driver is installed and used to connect to MongoDB Atlas via SQL ODBC. No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the high severity score underscores the critical need for remediation. The vulnerability could be leveraged to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or disrupt database connectivity and operations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a significant risk of unauthorized privilege escalation on Windows systems running the affected MongoDB Atlas SQL ODBC driver. Exploitation could lead to attackers gaining elevated privileges, allowing them to access or modify sensitive data, disrupt database connectivity, or execute arbitrary code with higher permissions. This can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical business data and services. Organizations relying on MongoDB Atlas for cloud database services, especially those integrating with Windows-based applications via the ODBC driver, are particularly vulnerable. The impact is heightened in sectors with strict data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government, where unauthorized access could lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, the vulnerability could be used as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks, increasing the scope of potential damage.

1. Monitor MongoDB’s official channels for patches addressing CVE-2025-11575 and apply them promptly once released. 2. Until patches are available, restrict installation and modification permissions of the MongoDB Atlas SQL ODBC driver files to trusted administrators only, preventing lower-privileged users from altering driver components. 3. Implement strict access controls and audit logging on Windows systems where the driver is installed to detect unauthorized access attempts or changes. 4. Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution or modification of driver-related files. 5. Conduct regular security reviews of user privileges on affected systems to minimize the number of users with local access. 6. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify suspicious activities related to privilege escalation attempts. 7. Educate IT staff about the vulnerability and ensure secure configuration practices for database connectivity components. 8. Consider isolating critical database access environments to reduce exposure.