CVE-2025-14406 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Soda PDF Desktop version 14.0.437.22898, caused by an uncontrolled search path element (CWE-427) related to the OpenSSL configuration file. The product loads the OpenSSL configuration from an unsecured location, which can be manipulated by a local attacker who already has the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system. By placing a malicious OpenSSL configuration file in this search path, the attacker can escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, enabling arbitrary code execution with the highest system privileges. This vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require prior local code execution, which could be obtained through other means such as phishing or exploiting other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by allowing an attacker to fully control the system. Although no public exploits are reported yet, the vulnerability is rated high severity with a CVSS 3.0 score of 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H). The flaw was assigned by ZDI as ZDI-CAN-25793 and published on 2025-12-23. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure means organizations must implement interim mitigations to secure the OpenSSL configuration path and monitor for suspicious local activity.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially in environments where Soda PDF Desktop is widely used. Successful exploitation leads to SYSTEM-level code execution, compromising all data confidentiality, integrity, and availability on affected machines. This can facilitate lateral movement, data exfiltration, or deployment of ransomware within corporate networks. Organizations handling sensitive or regulated data (e.g., financial, healthcare, government) face increased compliance and operational risks. The requirement for local code execution means attackers must first breach endpoint defenses, but once achieved, this vulnerability can be leveraged to gain full control, bypassing many security controls. The impact is particularly severe for enterprises with large deployments of Soda PDF Desktop on employee workstations or servers, as it can undermine endpoint security and trust. Additionally, critical infrastructure sectors relying on Soda PDF for document processing could experience operational disruptions or targeted attacks.

1. Immediately audit and restrict write permissions on directories and locations from which the OpenSSL configuration file is loaded to prevent unauthorized modifications. 2. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block unauthorized local code execution attempts. 3. Enforce least privilege principles to limit the ability of users and processes to write to system or application directories. 4. Monitor logs and system behavior for unusual OpenSSL configuration file access or modifications. 5. Segregate and harden endpoints running Soda PDF Desktop, especially those handling sensitive data. 6. Apply vendor patches promptly once released; coordinate with Soda PDF support for updates or workarounds. 7. Educate users to prevent initial low-privilege code execution vectors such as phishing or malicious downloads. 8. Consider using application sandboxing or containerization to isolate Soda PDF Desktop processes. 9. Regularly update and patch all software components to reduce the attack surface. 10. Maintain robust backup and recovery procedures to mitigate potential damage from exploitation.