CVE-2025-14495 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability identified in RealDefense SUPERAntiSpyware version 10.0.1276 Free Edition. The vulnerability arises from an exposed dangerous function within the SAS Core Service component. This flaw allows an attacker who has already gained the ability to execute code with low privileges on the target system to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level, thereby gaining full control over the affected machine. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-749, which involves exposure of dangerous methods or functions that can be exploited to perform unauthorized actions. Exploitation requires no user interaction but does require prior local access with limited privileges, making it a post-compromise escalation vector. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by enabling arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM privileges, potentially allowing attackers to disable security controls, access sensitive data, or disrupt system operations. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the high CVSS score of 7.8 indicates significant risk. The vulnerability was reserved and published in December 2025 and is tracked as ZDI-CAN-27677 by the Zero Day Initiative. No official patches have been linked yet, indicating the need for vigilance and interim mitigations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in environments where RealDefense SUPERAntiSpyware 10.0.1276 Free Edition is deployed. Successful exploitation allows attackers who have already compromised a low-privileged account to escalate privileges to SYSTEM, effectively gaining full control over the endpoint. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of security mechanisms, and potential lateral movement within networks. Critical infrastructure, government agencies, and enterprises relying on this software for endpoint protection could face severe operational and reputational damage. The ability to execute arbitrary code at SYSTEM level also increases the risk of persistent malware installation and evasion of detection. Although exploitation requires prior local access, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks or combined with other exploits to deepen compromise. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially given the high impact and ease of exploitation once local code execution is achieved.

1. Immediately restrict local user permissions to minimize the ability to execute arbitrary code with low privileges. 2. Monitor and audit local process execution and privilege escalation attempts on endpoints running the affected SUPERAntiSpyware version. 3. Apply vendor patches or updates as soon as they become available; maintain close communication with RealDefense for security advisories. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of privilege escalation. 5. Harden endpoint security configurations by disabling unnecessary services and restricting access to the SAS Core Service where possible. 6. Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify potential exploitation paths. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local code execution and enforce strict controls on software installation and execution rights. 8. Consider deploying alternative or additional endpoint protection solutions if patching is delayed or unavailable.