CVE-2025-52094 is an insecure permissions vulnerability identified in PDQ Smart Deploy version 3.0.2040. The vulnerability allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code by exploiting improper access controls on the Windows Registry key \HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\SmartDeploy. Specifically, the permissions on this registry component are misconfigured, enabling an attacker with local access to modify or inject malicious code that the system may execute with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability is critical because it leverages a trusted system component to escalate privileges and execute code, potentially bypassing security controls. The attack vector requires local access, meaning the attacker must already have some level of access to the target machine, but no network or remote exploitation is indicated. The vulnerability does not have a CVSS score assigned yet, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. However, the potential for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution makes this a significant security concern for environments using PDQ Smart Deploy 3.0.2040. The lack of patch or mitigation details suggests that organizations should proactively assess and restrict permissions on the affected registry keys and monitor for suspicious local activity until an official fix is released.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-52094 can be substantial, especially in enterprises and managed service providers that rely on PDQ Smart Deploy for automated deployment and configuration management. Successful exploitation could allow an insider threat or a compromised local user to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of deployment workflows, and lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the critical role of deployment tools in IT infrastructure, exploitation could undermine operational integrity and availability of systems. Additionally, organizations subject to strict data protection regulations such as GDPR could face compliance risks if this vulnerability leads to data breaches. The local access requirement somewhat limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with shared workstations or insufficient endpoint security controls.

1. Immediately audit and tighten permissions on the registry key \HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\SmartDeploy to ensure only trusted system accounts and administrators have write access. 2. Implement strict endpoint security policies to limit local user privileges and prevent unauthorized software installation or modification. 3. Employ application whitelisting and code integrity policies to detect and block unauthorized code execution. 4. Monitor Windows event logs and registry changes for suspicious activity related to the SmartDeploy registry keys. 5. Isolate deployment servers and restrict access to only essential personnel to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 6. Engage with PDQ Software for updates or patches addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 7. Conduct regular security awareness training to reduce insider threat risks and encourage reporting of unusual system behavior. 8. Consider implementing host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) to detect privilege escalation attempts.