CVE-2025-32752 is a vulnerability identified in Dell ThinOS, specifically versions 2502 and prior. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312, which pertains to the cleartext storage of sensitive information. This means that sensitive data, such as credentials or configuration details, are stored on the device without encryption or adequate protection, making them accessible in plaintext form. The vulnerability requires a high privileged attacker with physical access to the device to exploit it. Such an attacker could extract sensitive information directly from the device’s storage, leading to information disclosure. The CVSS 3.1 base score for this vulnerability is 5.7, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:L) reveals that the attack vector is physical access (AV:P), the attack complexity is low (AC:L), no privileges are required (PR:N), no user interaction is needed (UI:N), the scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality is high (C:H), with low impact on integrity (I:L) and availability (A:L). This suggests that while the vulnerability does not allow modification or disruption of the system, it can lead to significant confidentiality breaches. Dell ThinOS is a lightweight operating system commonly used in thin clients for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments. These devices are often deployed in enterprise settings to provide secure access to centralized systems. The presence of cleartext sensitive data on these devices increases the risk that an attacker with physical access could harvest credentials or other secrets, potentially enabling further network compromise or unauthorized access to enterprise resources.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially in sectors relying heavily on VDI solutions such as finance, healthcare, government, and large enterprises. The exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage could lead to unauthorized access to corporate networks, data breaches, and lateral movement within the IT environment. Given that the vulnerability requires physical access and high privileges, the risk is elevated in environments where endpoint devices are less physically secure or shared among multiple users. The confidentiality breach could expose user credentials or session tokens, undermining the security of remote access systems. This could lead to compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR, which mandates the protection of personal data. Additionally, the potential for information disclosure could facilitate targeted attacks or espionage, especially in critical infrastructure or governmental organizations within Europe.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Physically secure all Dell ThinOS thin client devices to prevent unauthorized access. This includes controlled access to offices, locked cabinets, or secure docking stations. 2) Restrict administrative privileges on ThinOS devices to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of a high privileged attacker gaining physical access. 3) Regularly audit and monitor physical access logs and device usage to detect any suspicious activity. 4) Deploy endpoint encryption solutions or secure storage mechanisms where possible to protect sensitive data at rest on ThinOS devices. 5) Coordinate with Dell to obtain and apply any available patches or firmware updates addressing this vulnerability as soon as they are released. 6) Consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for access to VDI environments to reduce the impact of credential disclosure. 7) Educate users and administrators about the risks of physical device compromise and enforce strict device handling policies. 8) Where feasible, replace or upgrade ThinOS devices to versions beyond 2502 or alternative secure thin client solutions that do not store sensitive information in cleartext.