CVE-2025-1549 is a command injection vulnerability classified under CWE-77, affecting the WatchGuard Mobile VPN with SSL client on Windows, specifically version 12.0. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements used in system commands, allowing a local user to inject and execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. This means that an attacker who already has local access to a Windows system running the vulnerable VPN client can escalate their privileges to higher levels, potentially gaining administrative control. The vulnerability is notable as it provides an additional unmitigated attack path related to the previously identified CVE-2024-4944, potentially compounding the risk if both vulnerabilities are present. The issue does not require user interaction or authentication, but local access is mandatory, limiting remote exploitation. The vulnerability has been addressed in WatchGuard Mobile VPN with SSL client version 12.11.5, and users are advised to upgrade to this or later versions. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates a local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and high scope impact (SI:H, SA:H), resulting in a medium severity score of 6.3. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the potential for privilege escalation makes this a significant risk for affected environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of local privilege escalation on Windows systems running the vulnerable WatchGuard Mobile VPN with SSL client. Successful exploitation could allow attackers with local access—such as disgruntled employees, contractors, or attackers who have gained initial foothold—to elevate their privileges and execute arbitrary commands with administrative rights. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, or further lateral movement within the network. Organizations relying on WatchGuard VPN solutions for secure remote access may face increased risk if endpoints are compromised. Given the VPN client’s role in securing remote connections, exploitation could undermine the overall security posture, potentially exposing critical infrastructure or confidential information. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity rating and the potential for privilege escalation necessitate proactive mitigation. The high scope impact indicates that the vulnerability could affect system-wide security, increasing the potential damage. European entities in sectors with stringent data protection requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and government, should be particularly vigilant.

European organizations should immediately verify the version of WatchGuard Mobile VPN with SSL client deployed on Windows endpoints and upgrade all instances from version 12.0 to at least version 12.11.5 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Implement strict local access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts on endpoints running the vulnerable client. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify suspicious command execution or privilege escalation behaviors. Conduct regular audits of user privileges and remove unnecessary local access rights to minimize the attack surface. Additionally, consider network segmentation to limit the impact of compromised endpoints. Organizations should also review and harden VPN client configurations, ensuring that only trusted users and devices can connect. Finally, maintain an up-to-date inventory of VPN clients and enforce patch management policies to promptly address future vulnerabilities.