CVE-2025-1700 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) affecting the Motorola Software Fix installer, specifically the Rescue and Smart Assistant components. The vulnerability arises from DLL hijacking during the software installation process. In this context, DLL hijacking means that the installer improperly handles the search path for dynamic link libraries (DLLs), allowing a local attacker to place a malicious DLL in a location that the installer will load instead of the legitimate one. This can lead to privilege escalation, as the attacker can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges during the installation. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction (running the installer), but does not require prior authentication. The CVSS 4.0 vector (AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N) indicates that the attack vector is local, with low attack complexity, partial attack type, no privileges required, user interaction needed, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are reported in the wild yet, and no patches have been linked at the time of publication. The affected version is indicated as '0', which likely means the initial or an early version of the software. This vulnerability is critical because it allows local attackers to escalate privileges during installation, potentially compromising the entire system if exploited successfully.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in environments where Motorola Software Fix is used for device maintenance or recovery. The privilege escalation can lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt operations. Organizations with strict compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR) could face regulatory consequences if such an exploit leads to data breaches. The fact that exploitation requires local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in scenarios where attackers have physical or remote desktop access. This is particularly relevant for enterprises with distributed workforces or shared workstations. Additionally, the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that critical systems could be severely affected, leading to operational downtime and reputational damage.

1. Immediate mitigation should involve restricting access to systems where the Motorola Software Fix installer is used, ensuring only trusted administrators can run the installer. 2. Use application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to monitor and block unauthorized DLL loading or suspicious installer behavior. 3. Conduct thorough integrity checks of the installer and its DLL dependencies before execution, ideally running installers in isolated or sandboxed environments. 4. Educate users and administrators about the risks of running installers from untrusted sources and the importance of verifying software integrity. 5. Monitor local system directories and temporary folders for unexpected DLL files that could be used in hijacking attempts. 6. Since no patch is currently available, organizations should liaise with Motorola for updates and apply patches as soon as they are released. 7. Implement strict privilege management policies to limit the ability of local users to install software or modify system files unless absolutely necessary.