CVE-2025-1789 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability identified in the Genetec Update Service, a component used in Genetec Inc.'s security and surveillance management solutions. The flaw arises from incorrect default permissions configured on the update service, which allows a low-privileged authenticated Windows user to escalate their privileges to a higher level, potentially administrative. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 2.10.600. Exploitation requires the attacker to have valid low-level credentials on the Windows host where the update service runs, but does not require any user interaction. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates that the attack vector is local (AV:L), with high complexity (AC:H), partial authentication (AT:P), and no user interaction (UI:N). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, as elevated privileges could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, modify system configurations, or disable security controls. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's presence in a critical update service component makes it a significant risk if exploited. The update service is typically deployed in environments using Genetec's security management platforms, which are common in physical security, surveillance, and access control systems.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-1789 is the potential for an attacker with limited access to escalate privileges to a higher level, including administrative rights. This can lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, manipulate security configurations, disable or tamper with security monitoring, and potentially move laterally within an organization's network. For organizations relying on Genetec's security management solutions, this could undermine the integrity and availability of physical security systems, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive areas or data. The vulnerability could also facilitate persistence mechanisms for attackers, making detection and remediation more difficult. While exploitation requires local access and some authentication, environments with many users or shared systems increase the risk. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often develop exploits after public disclosure.

Organizations should prioritize updating the Genetec Update Service to version 2.10.600 or later, where this vulnerability is addressed. Until patches are applied, administrators should audit and tighten permissions on the update service executable and related files to ensure that only trusted, high-privileged accounts have write or modify access. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on systems running Genetec software to detect unusual privilege escalation attempts. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious activities related to the update service. Limit the number of users with local access and enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, conduct regular security assessments and penetration tests focusing on privilege escalation vectors in critical security infrastructure. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to potential compromise scenarios involving physical security systems.