CVE-2025-1910 is a command injection vulnerability categorized under CWE-77 affecting WatchGuard Mobile VPN with SSL Client on Windows platforms, specifically versions 12.0 up to and including 12.11.2. The flaw arises from improper neutralization of special elements in commands, allowing a locally authenticated non-administrative user to escalate privileges to NT AUTHORITY/SYSTEM. This means an attacker with standard user access on the Windows machine can execute arbitrary commands with system-level privileges, effectively taking full control of the affected system. The vulnerability does not require network access or user interaction beyond local authentication, making it a significant risk in environments where multiple users share machines or where endpoint security is lax. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.3 (medium), reflecting the local attack vector and the requirement for low complexity and privileges. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no patches have been published yet, increasing the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, as an attacker can manipulate system processes, access sensitive data, and disrupt services. The high scope and impact metrics in the CVSS vector indicate that the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable module, potentially compromising the entire system. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations relying on WatchGuard VPN clients for secure remote access, as it undermines the trust boundary between user and system privileges.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of local privilege escalation on Windows endpoints running the vulnerable WatchGuard Mobile VPN client. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to access sensitive corporate data, manipulate security controls, and disrupt business operations. This is especially critical for sectors with shared workstations or environments where users have local access but limited privileges, such as government agencies, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure operators. The ability to escalate privileges to SYSTEM could facilitate lateral movement within networks, increasing the risk of broader breaches. Additionally, compromised VPN clients could undermine secure remote access, exposing organizations to further external threats. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive defense, but the lack of patches necessitates immediate mitigation to prevent potential exploitation. Organizations with compliance obligations under GDPR must also consider the regulatory implications of data breaches resulting from this vulnerability.

1. Restrict local user access on Windows machines running the WatchGuard Mobile VPN client to trusted personnel only, minimizing the number of users with local login capabilities. 2. Implement strict endpoint security controls, including application whitelisting and behavior monitoring, to detect and block suspicious command executions indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 3. Employ least privilege principles by ensuring users operate with minimal necessary permissions and avoid granting administrative rights unnecessarily. 4. Monitor system and security logs for unusual activities related to the VPN client or command execution patterns that could signal exploitation attempts. 5. Segregate VPN client installations to dedicated machines or virtual environments where possible to limit exposure. 6. Coordinate with WatchGuard for timely patch deployment once available and subscribe to vendor advisories for updates. 7. Conduct regular security awareness training to inform users about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of safeguarding credentials and access. 8. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying exploitation techniques related to command injection and privilege escalation. 9. Review and harden Windows security policies, including User Account Control (UAC) settings and local group policies, to reduce the attack surface. 10. If feasible, temporarily disable or restrict the use of the vulnerable VPN client until a patch is released.