CVE-2025-36565 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-88 (Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command, also known as Argument Injection) affecting Dell PowerProtect Data Domain with Data Domain Operating System (DD OS) versions 7.7.1.0 through 8.1.0.10, including LTS2024 and LTS2023 releases. The flaw arises because the system fails to properly sanitize or neutralize argument delimiters in commands, which allows a high-privileged attacker with local access to inject arbitrary commands. This injection can lead to arbitrary command execution within the context of the system, potentially escalating privileges to root. The vulnerability requires the attacker to already have high privileges and local access, meaning remote exploitation is not feasible without prior compromise. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.7 (medium severity), reflecting the need for local high privilege and no user interaction, but with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability if exploited. No public exploits are known at this time, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability is significant because Dell PowerProtect Data Domain systems are widely used for enterprise backup and data protection, making them attractive targets for attackers aiming to disrupt data integrity or exfiltrate sensitive backup data. The improper neutralization of argument delimiters can allow attackers to bypass input validation and execute unintended commands, which could compromise the entire backup infrastructure.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be severe, especially for those relying on Dell PowerProtect Data Domain systems for critical backup and disaster recovery operations. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized command execution with root privileges, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate, delete, or exfiltrate backup data, undermining data integrity and availability. This could disrupt business continuity, cause data loss, and expose sensitive information. Given the importance of backup systems in regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR mandates on data protection and integrity), exploitation could also lead to legal and financial repercussions. The requirement for local high-privileged access reduces the likelihood of widespread remote attacks but increases the risk from insider threats or attackers who have already gained a foothold in the network. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure in Europe are particularly at risk due to the strategic value of their data and regulatory scrutiny.

1. Implement strict access controls to limit local administrative access to Dell PowerProtect Data Domain systems only to trusted personnel. 2. Monitor and audit local user activities for unusual command executions or privilege escalations. 3. Apply the official patches or updates from Dell as soon as they become available to address this vulnerability. 4. Employ network segmentation to isolate backup systems from general user networks, reducing the risk of lateral movement. 5. Use multi-factor authentication and strong credential management for all administrative accounts. 6. Regularly review and harden system configurations to minimize attack surface. 7. Conduct internal security awareness training to reduce insider threat risks. 8. Maintain up-to-date backups of critical configurations and data to enable recovery in case of compromise. 9. Engage in proactive vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on backup infrastructure. 10. Coordinate with Dell support for any interim mitigation guidance or workarounds until patches are released.