CVE-2025-14406 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) affecting Soda PDF Desktop version 14.0.437.22898. The vulnerability stems from the product loading an OpenSSL configuration file from an unsecured or improperly controlled location in the file system. This insecure configuration allows a local attacker, who already has the ability to execute code with low privileges, to manipulate the OpenSSL configuration file or its path. By doing so, the attacker can cause the application to load malicious configurations or libraries, resulting in arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM-level privileges. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require prior local code execution, which could come from other lower-severity vulnerabilities or social engineering. The CVSS v3.0 score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and requiring low privileges but no user interaction. The vulnerability was assigned by ZDI (ZDI-CAN-25793) and published on December 23, 2025. No public exploits are known at this time, but the risk remains significant due to the potential for full system compromise. The root cause is the insecure handling of OpenSSL configuration file paths, a common vector for local privilege escalation when applications do not securely manage search paths or configuration file locations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a serious risk as it enables attackers with limited access to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive documents, disruption of business operations, and the ability to deploy persistent malware or ransomware. Organizations in sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that rely on Soda PDF Desktop for document management are particularly vulnerable. The compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability could lead to data breaches, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), financial loss, and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability requires local code execution, it may be exploited in targeted attacks or combined with other vulnerabilities or social engineering tactics. The lack of known exploits in the wild does not diminish the urgency, as the vulnerability is straightforward to exploit once local access is obtained.

1. Restrict file system permissions to ensure that only trusted users and processes can modify or replace the OpenSSL configuration files and related directories used by Soda PDF Desktop. 2. Monitor and audit file system changes in directories where OpenSSL configuration files reside to detect unauthorized modifications. 3. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to prevent unauthorized execution of low-privileged code that could be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability. 4. Isolate Soda PDF Desktop usage to trusted environments and limit user privileges to reduce the risk of initial code execution. 5. Apply vendor patches or updates as soon as they become available to address the vulnerability directly. 6. Educate users about phishing and social engineering risks that could lead to initial low-privileged code execution. 7. Consider using alternative PDF software with a stronger security posture if immediate patching is not feasible. 8. Implement robust logging and alerting to detect suspicious privilege escalation attempts.