CVE-2025-1789 is a vulnerability identified in the Genetec Update Service, a component used for managing updates in Genetec's security and surveillance software products. The flaw arises from incorrect default permissions set on the update service, which allows a local attacker with low-level authenticated access on a Windows system to escalate their privileges. Specifically, the vulnerability enables an attacker to gain elevated privileges beyond their assigned user rights, potentially allowing them to execute code with higher system privileges, modify system configurations, or disable security controls. The vulnerability affects all versions of the Genetec Update Service prior to 2.10.600. Exploitation requires the attacker to have some form of authenticated access but does not require user interaction, making it a direct local privilege escalation vector. The CVSS 4.0 base score of 5.8 reflects a medium severity, considering the attack vector is local, the attack complexity is high, and privileges required are low, but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk in environments where Genetec software is used, especially in critical infrastructure and security-sensitive deployments. The vulnerability was published on February 24, 2026, and Genetec has reserved the CVE since February 2025. Due to the nature of the vulnerability, attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized control over systems running the update service, potentially leading to broader compromise within an organization’s network.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-1789 is the potential for local privilege escalation, which can severely compromise system security. An attacker who exploits this vulnerability can gain elevated privileges, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with higher permissions, modify or disable security controls, and access sensitive information. This can lead to a full system compromise, undermining confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Organizations relying on Genetec Update Service in security, surveillance, or critical infrastructure environments face increased risk of insider threats or lateral movement by attackers who have gained low-level access. The vulnerability could facilitate persistence mechanisms or enable attackers to bypass security policies, increasing the difficulty of detection and remediation. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the medium severity rating and the critical nature of affected systems warrant prompt attention. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in operational disruptions, data breaches, or unauthorized control over security systems.

To mitigate CVE-2025-1789, organizations should immediately upgrade the Genetec Update Service to version 2.10.600 or later, where the incorrect default permissions have been corrected. In the absence of an available patch, administrators should manually audit and restrict permissions on the update service files and related components to ensure that only authorized system accounts have elevated access. Implement strict access controls and limit the number of users with authenticated access to systems running Genetec software. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts or suspicious local activity. Regularly review system and security logs for signs of exploitation attempts. Additionally, enforce the principle of least privilege for all user accounts and consider deploying application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution. Network segmentation can also limit the impact of a compromised system. Finally, maintain an up-to-date inventory of all Genetec software deployments to ensure timely patch management.