CVE-2025-45376 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in Dell Repository Manager (DRM) version 3.4.7. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of insufficient permissions or privileges (CWE-280), allowing a low-privileged local attacker to potentially escalate their privileges. Specifically, the flaw exists in how DRM verifies or enforces permission checks, which can be bypassed or improperly validated, enabling unauthorized privilege elevation. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 reflects the significant impact and complexity: the attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring high attack complexity (AC:H), low privileges (PR:L), and user interaction (UI:R). The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that exploitation affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning an attacker could gain full control over the affected system, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or disrupt operations. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches are listed yet, suggesting this is a newly disclosed vulnerability. The vulnerability affects a specific version (3.4.7) of Dell Repository Manager, a tool used primarily for managing Dell system firmware and driver updates, often deployed in enterprise environments for system maintenance and lifecycle management.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises and public sector entities relying on Dell hardware and using Dell Repository Manager for system updates. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges from a low-privileged user account to administrative levels, potentially leading to full system compromise. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive corporate or personal data, disruption of IT infrastructure, and the ability to deploy further malware or ransomware. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations could face operational downtime, data breaches, and compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where insider threats or compromised user accounts exist. The lack of patches increases the urgency for mitigation to prevent exploitation during the window of exposure.

European organizations should immediately audit their use of Dell Repository Manager, specifically checking for version 3.4.7 installations. Until a patch is available, mitigation should focus on minimizing local access to systems running DRM by enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual local user activities. Implementing application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can help detect attempts to exploit privilege escalation. Organizations should also enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring users have only the minimum necessary permissions. User interaction requirements suggest that user training to recognize suspicious prompts or behaviors could reduce risk. Network segmentation can limit the spread of compromise if escalation occurs. Regularly checking Dell’s security advisories for patches and applying them promptly once released is critical. Additionally, organizations should consider temporary disabling or restricting DRM usage if feasible until the vulnerability is remediated.