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CVE-2025-12838VulnerabilityPublished

CVE-2025-12838: MSP360 Free Backup · Link Following

Affects MSP360 Free BackupSource CVE Database V5

0

Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.3 High.

Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 08:30 UTC

CVSS 3.0 base score
7.3High
How severe the flaw is on the 0–10 CVSS scale.
EPSS
0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 7% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Exploitation evidence

  1. Disclosed: evidence found.

    CVE published 23 Dec 2025

  2. Detectable: no evidence on record.

    No public nuclei template indexed

  3. Weaponised: no evidence on record.

    No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB

  4. Exploited in the wild: no evidence on record.

    Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation

  5. Observed by OffSeq Mirage: no evidence on record.

    No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors

A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.

What to do

Affected software

ProductAffectedFixed in
MSP360 Free BackupAffected
  • =8.1.0.620
Fixed in–

AI-suggested

1. Restrict local user permissions rigorously to prevent unauthorized code execution, especially on systems running MSP360 Free Backup. 2. Implement strict administrative controls and minimize the number of users with restore operation privileges to reduce the risk of malicious or accidental exploitation. 3. Monitor file system activities for suspicious creation of junction points or symbolic links, particularly in directories used by MSP360 for restore operations. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block attempts to exploit this vulnerability. 5. Isolate backup servers and restrict network access to trusted administrators only, reducing the attack surface. 6. Stay informed on vendor advisories and apply patches or updates promptly once released. 7. Conduct regular security training to raise awareness about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of cautious administrative interactions. 8. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative actions related to backup and restore processes to add an additional security layer.

Description

CVE-2025-12838 is a high-severity local privilege escalation vulnerability in MSP360 Free Backup version 8.1.0.620. It arises from improper link resolution before file access in the restore functionality, allowing attackers with low-privileged code execution to escalate privileges to SYSTEM by abusing junction points. Exploitation requires local code execution and administrative user interaction, making it a targeted but potent threat. The vulnerability can lead to full system compromise, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are currently in the wild, but the risk remains significant due to the potential impact. European organizations using MSP360 Free Backup should prioritize patching and implement strict local access controls. Countries with higher MSP360 adoption and critical infrastructure reliance on backup solutions are at greater risk.

References

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