CVE-2025-11772 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) found in the Synaptics Fingerprint Driver versions 5.5.3521.1066 and 5.5.4012.1052. The issue arises because the driver installation process loads DLLs from the C:\ProgramData\Synaptics directory without properly validating or restricting which DLLs can be loaded. An attacker with local low-level privileges can place a malicious DLL into this directory. When the driver installation or update process runs, it loads this malicious DLL, resulting in arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges, typically SYSTEM level. This can lead to full system compromise, including the ability to read or modify sensitive fingerprint data, install persistent malware, or disrupt system availability. The vulnerability requires local access but no user interaction, making it a potent vector for privilege escalation in environments where users have limited rights but can write to the specified directory. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's nature and impact make it a significant risk. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.6 reflects the medium severity, balancing the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability against the requirement for local privileges. The vulnerability was reserved in October 2025 and published in December 2025, with no patches currently available, highlighting the need for interim mitigations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to endpoint security, particularly for enterprises and government agencies relying on Synaptics fingerprint authentication for access control and identity verification. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive biometric data, and deploy persistent malware. This could result in data breaches, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), and operational disruptions. The ability to execute code with elevated privileges also increases the risk of lateral movement within networks. Organizations with large deployments of affected Synaptics drivers on laptops, desktops, or workstations are especially vulnerable. The threat is heightened in environments where users have write access to system folders or where endpoint protection solutions do not monitor DLL loading paths effectively. Given the lack of known exploits in the wild, the immediate risk is moderate, but the potential impact warrants proactive measures.

1. Restrict write permissions to the C:\ProgramData\Synaptics directory to prevent unauthorized users from placing DLLs there. Use Group Policy or endpoint management tools to enforce strict ACLs. 2. Implement application whitelisting and DLL load monitoring to detect and block unauthorized DLLs from loading during driver installation or updates. 3. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious activity related to driver installation processes. 4. Educate users and administrators about the risk of local privilege escalation via DLL hijacking and enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize write access to system directories. 5. Regularly audit and inventory installed Synaptics driver versions across the organization to identify and prioritize vulnerable systems. 6. Coordinate with Synaptics for timely patch deployment once available, and test patches in controlled environments before widespread rollout. 7. Consider temporary workarounds such as disabling automatic driver updates or installation if feasible until patches are released.