CVE-2025-24287 is a vulnerability identified in Veeam Backup for Microsoft Windows, specifically affecting version 6.2.0.121. The flaw allows local system users to modify directory contents in a way that leads to arbitrary code execution with elevated permissions on the affected system. This vulnerability is local attack vector (AV:L), meaning exploitation requires access to the local system. The attack complexity is low (AC:L), and privileges required are low (PR:L), indicating that a user with limited local privileges can exploit the vulnerability without needing user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), so the impact is confined to the vulnerable component. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality (C:N) but has a high impact on integrity (I:H) and a low impact on availability (A:L). This means an attacker can modify system files or processes, potentially compromising system integrity and control, but cannot directly exfiltrate data or cause significant denial of service. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or mitigation links are provided yet. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of directory contents, which local users can manipulate to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise if the backup software runs with high privileges. Given Veeam Backup's critical role in data protection and recovery, exploitation could undermine backup integrity and availability, impacting disaster recovery capabilities and overall system trustworthiness.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for enterprises relying heavily on Veeam Backup for Microsoft Windows to secure critical data and ensure business continuity. Successful exploitation could allow malicious insiders or compromised local accounts to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized changes in backup data or disruption of backup services. This could result in loss of data integrity, delayed recovery after incidents, and increased risk of ransomware or other malware persistence. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection regulations, such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, may face compliance risks and operational disruptions. The medium CVSS score reflects moderate risk, but the elevated integrity impact and local privilege escalation vector mean that insider threats or attackers with initial local access can leverage this vulnerability to gain deeper control. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests limited immediate threat, but the critical nature of backup systems makes timely remediation essential to prevent potential exploitation.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting local user permissions to the minimum necessary, ensuring that only trusted administrators have access to systems running Veeam Backup for Microsoft Windows. 2. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on backup servers to detect unauthorized local access attempts or suspicious file modifications in backup directories. 3. Use application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to prevent unauthorized code execution, especially from user-writable directories related to backup software. 4. Regularly audit and harden the configuration of Veeam Backup installations, including verifying directory permissions and integrity of backup files. 5. Until an official patch is released, consider isolating backup servers from non-administrative users and limit remote access to these systems. 6. Employ robust logging and alerting mechanisms to detect anomalous activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Educate system administrators and security teams about this vulnerability to ensure rapid response and containment if exploitation is suspected. 8. Once available, promptly apply vendor patches or updates addressing this vulnerability to eliminate the risk.