CVE-2025-14026 identifies a security vulnerability in Forcepoint One Endpoint (F1E) version 23.11, specifically related to the inclusion of an outdated and restricted Python 2.5.4 runtime environment. This embedded Python version disables the ctypes library, which is a critical foreign function interface enabling Python code to call external DLLs or shared libraries, allocate memory, and execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability stems from the fact that these restrictions on ctypes can be bypassed, effectively allowing an attacker to regain the ability to perform direct memory manipulation and code execution within the context of the Forcepoint One Endpoint client. This is a classic example of CWE-1104 (Use of Unmaintained Third-Party Components), highlighting the risks of relying on legacy software components that no longer receive security updates or proper maintenance. Additional related weaknesses include CWE-1395 (Use of Deprecated or Risky Functions) and CWE-676 (Use of Potentially Dangerous Function), which further emphasize the unsafe use of outdated libraries and functions. The Forcepoint One Endpoint product is a critical security agent deployed on endpoints to enforce data loss prevention policies and protect sensitive information. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker to bypass endpoint security controls, execute arbitrary code, and potentially escalate privileges or move laterally within a network. Although no public exploits or active attacks have been reported, the technical feasibility of bypassing the ctypes restriction poses a significant risk. The absence of a CVSS score requires an independent severity assessment based on the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, the ease of exploitation, and the scope of affected systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to endpoint security and data protection. Forcepoint One Endpoint is widely used in enterprises to enforce data loss prevention (DLP) policies, monitor sensitive data flows, and prevent unauthorized data exfiltration. A successful exploit could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on protected endpoints, bypassing DLP controls and potentially leading to data breaches, intellectual property theft, or ransomware deployment. The compromise of endpoint agents also undermines trust in security monitoring and incident response capabilities. Given the critical role of Forcepoint One Endpoint in securing corporate environments, exploitation could impact confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data, disrupt business operations, and increase the risk of regulatory non-compliance under GDPR and other data protection laws. The vulnerability’s exploitation does not require user interaction, increasing the risk of automated or stealthy attacks. European organizations with large endpoint fleets running the affected Forcepoint versions are particularly vulnerable, especially in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure where data protection is paramount.

1. Immediate monitoring for updates or patches from Forcepoint is essential; apply security patches as soon as they become available to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are released, restrict execution privileges on endpoints to limit the ability of unauthorized users or processes to execute or inject code via Python or related components. 3. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior related to Python processes or unexpected DLL calls. 4. Conduct thorough audits of endpoint configurations to identify and remove legacy or unmaintained third-party components where possible. 5. Enforce strict network segmentation and least privilege principles to reduce the impact of a compromised endpoint. 6. Educate security teams about the risks of using outdated embedded runtimes and encourage proactive software supply chain management. 7. Enhance logging and monitoring around Forcepoint One Endpoint processes to detect potential exploitation attempts. 8. Coordinate with Forcepoint support to obtain guidance and potential workarounds until official patches are released.