CVE-2025-12286 identifies an unquoted search path vulnerability in VeePN versions 1.6.0 through 1.6.2, specifically within the AVService executable located at C:\Program Files (x86)\VeePN\avservice\avservice.exe. This vulnerability occurs because the executable path is not enclosed in quotes, which on Windows systems can lead to the OS searching for executables in unintended directories if a malicious executable is placed with a crafted name in one of the directories in the search path. The attack requires local access and a high degree of complexity, as the attacker must have the ability to place or rename files in directories that are searched before the legitimate executable. Exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the AVService process, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The CVSS 4.0 score is 7.3 (high severity), reflecting the local attack vector, high attack complexity, and significant impact on all security properties. No user interaction or authentication beyond local privileges is required. The vendor has not issued patches or responded to the disclosure, and no known exploits are currently reported in the wild. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for environments where VeePN is used to secure communications, as compromise could undermine VPN integrity and trust.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-12286 can be significant, especially in sectors relying heavily on VPNs for secure remote access, such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Successful exploitation could allow a local attacker or malicious insider to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, disruption of VPN services, or lateral movement within networks. This undermines the confidentiality and integrity of communications protected by VeePN. Given the high complexity and local access requirement, the threat is more pronounced in environments with multiple users or where endpoint security is lax. The absence of vendor patches increases risk exposure. European organizations with remote workforce setups or those using VeePN as part of their security stack must consider this vulnerability as a critical risk to their operational security and data protection obligations under regulations like GDPR.

1. Monitor VeePN vendor communications closely for official patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-12286 and apply them immediately upon release. 2. Until patches are available, restrict local user permissions to prevent unauthorized file placement or modification in directories included in the system PATH, especially those preceding the AVService executable path. 3. Audit and correct unquoted paths in system environment variables to ensure all executable paths are properly quoted, reducing the risk of path hijacking. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block unauthorized executable launches or modifications in critical directories. 5. Limit local administrative privileges and enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the attack surface. 6. Conduct regular security awareness training to inform users about the risks of local privilege misuse. 7. Implement robust logging and monitoring to detect anomalous file creation or execution attempts near the AVService component. 8. Consider alternative VPN solutions with active vendor support if patching is delayed or unavailable.