CVE-2025-11761 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) found in HP Inc's HP Client Management Script Library version 1.0.0. This vulnerability arises because the software improperly controls the search path used during its installation process. An attacker with limited privileges on the affected system can manipulate the search path environment to cause the software to load and execute malicious code or scripts with elevated privileges, effectively escalating their access rights. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or prior authentication beyond limited privileges, making it easier to exploit in environments where users have some system access but not administrative rights. The CVSS 4.0 score of 8.5 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no need for user interaction. The scope is limited to systems running the vulnerable version of the HP Client Management Script Library, commonly deployed in enterprise environments for device management. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the potential for privilege escalation makes this a significant risk. HP has indicated that software updates are forthcoming to mitigate this vulnerability, emphasizing the need for timely patching. The vulnerability's exploitation could allow attackers to gain administrative control, leading to unauthorized data access, system manipulation, or disruption of services.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-11761 can be substantial, particularly in enterprises and public sector entities that rely heavily on HP hardware and management tools. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges from limited user accounts to administrative levels, compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, disruption of critical IT services, and lateral movement within networks. Given the vulnerability affects the installation process, it could be exploited during routine software updates or deployments, increasing the risk in managed IT environments. The lack of required user interaction and low attack complexity heighten the threat, especially in large organizations with many endpoints. The potential impact extends to critical infrastructure sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, where HP devices are prevalent. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in supply chain attacks targeting managed service providers using HP management tools.

To mitigate CVE-2025-11761, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Apply HP's official patches and software updates as soon as they become available to address the uncontrolled search path issue. 2) Until patches are deployed, restrict user permissions to the minimum necessary to prevent unauthorized modification of environment variables or installation directories used by the HP Client Management Script Library. 3) Implement strict application whitelisting and code integrity policies to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries or scripts during installation processes. 4) Monitor system logs and installation activities for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Conduct regular audits of environment variables and PATH settings on managed devices to detect unauthorized changes. 6) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to identify and respond to privilege escalation attempts. 7) Educate IT staff and users about the risks associated with privilege escalation vulnerabilities and enforce secure software deployment practices. 8) Segment networks to limit lateral movement if a device is compromised. These measures, combined with timely patching, will reduce the risk of exploitation and limit potential damage.