CVE-2025-43922 is a vulnerability identified in the FileWave Windows client software versions prior to 16.0.0. FileWave is a device management solution used by organizations to manage software deployment and updates across multiple endpoints. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-863, which pertains to incorrect authorization. Specifically, in certain non-default configurations, the FileWave Windows client improperly restricts access controls, allowing an unprivileged local user to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level. This means that a user with limited permissions on a Windows machine running the vulnerable FileWave client can exploit this flaw to gain full administrative rights on the system. The vulnerability does not require remote access or network exploitation; it is a local privilege escalation issue. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of disclosure, and no official patches have been released yet. The vulnerability was reserved and published in April 2025, with a medium severity rating assigned by the vendor or reporting entity. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that a detailed severity assessment is necessary based on the impact and exploitability factors. The vulnerability arises from incorrect authorization checks within the FileWave client, which in some configurations fail to properly validate user permissions before allowing sensitive operations that lead to privilege escalation. This flaw could be leveraged by malicious insiders or attackers who have gained limited access to a system to fully compromise it, potentially leading to further lateral movement or persistence within an enterprise environment.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43922 can be significant, especially for those using FileWave for endpoint management. Successful exploitation allows an unprivileged user to gain SYSTEM-level access, effectively full control over the affected Windows machine. This can lead to unauthorized installation of software, disabling of security controls, data exfiltration, or deployment of ransomware and other malware. Since FileWave is often deployed in enterprise environments to manage large numbers of devices, a single compromised endpoint could serve as a foothold for attackers to move laterally across networks, increasing the risk of widespread compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments with shared or multi-user systems, such as educational institutions, government agencies, or large corporations, where local user accounts may have limited restrictions. Additionally, the lack of authentication or remote exploitation requirements means that any local user with access to the machine can attempt exploitation, increasing the attack surface. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is serious, it may require specific configurations or conditions to be exploitable, somewhat limiting its impact. However, given the potential for full system compromise, affected organizations should treat this issue with urgency. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation before widespread exploitation occurs.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on identifying and auditing all Windows endpoints running FileWave clients prior to version 16.0.0. 2. Restrict local user permissions and enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize the number of users with local access rights that could exploit this vulnerability. 3. Review and adjust FileWave client configurations to default or secure settings, as the vulnerability manifests in certain non-default configurations. 4. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts. 5. Until an official patch is released, consider isolating or limiting the use of vulnerable FileWave clients on critical systems. 6. Maintain strict logging and monitoring of local user activities on endpoints to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Engage with FileWave vendor support channels to obtain updates on patch availability and apply patches promptly once released. 8. Conduct user awareness training to inform local users about the risks of privilege escalation and the importance of reporting unusual system behavior. 9. Employ network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a system is compromised. 10. Regularly back up critical data and verify restoration procedures to mitigate potential damage from exploitation.