The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-53919 affects the Portrait Dell Color Management application, specifically version 3.3.008 and potentially earlier versions, which is software used to manage color profiles on Dell monitors. During both installation and uninstallation processes, the application creates a temporary folder with weak access control permissions. This misconfiguration allows any local user with low privileges to manipulate the folder or its contents, potentially replacing or injecting malicious files. Exploiting this flaw can lead to elevation of privileges, enabling the attacker to execute code or commands with higher system privileges than originally granted. The vulnerability requires local access to the system but does not require additional user interaction beyond the attacker’s own actions. No public exploits or patches have been reported yet, and no CVSS score has been assigned, indicating the vulnerability is newly disclosed. The lack of strong folder permission checks is a common security oversight that can be leveraged in multi-user environments or systems where local user accounts are not tightly controlled. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Dell monitors and their management software are widely deployed, as it could be a stepping stone for further compromise. The issue underscores the importance of secure temporary file and folder handling during software installation and removal processes.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily in environments where multiple users have local access to systems running the affected Dell Color Management software. An attacker with low privileges could exploit this flaw to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, or disruption of system operations. This is especially critical in sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, where Dell hardware is prevalent and where elevated privileges can lead to severe confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. The vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within networks if exploited on shared or multi-user systems. Although remote exploitation is not possible, insider threats or attackers who have gained initial local access could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and deepen their foothold. The absence of known exploits currently limits immediate widespread impact, but the vulnerability’s presence in widely used hardware management software increases the risk profile for European enterprises.

Organizations should proactively audit systems for the presence of the Portrait Dell Color Management application, particularly version 3.3.008 or earlier. Until a patch is released, restrict local user permissions to prevent unauthorized folder creation or modification during installation and uninstallation processes. Implement strict access control policies on temporary directories and monitor for unusual file system changes related to the application’s installation paths. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block suspicious privilege escalation attempts. Educate system administrators and users about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of limiting local access rights. Once Dell releases a patch or updated version, prioritize timely deployment across all affected systems. Additionally, consider isolating critical systems or limiting local user accounts to reduce the attack surface. Regularly review and harden software installation procedures to ensure temporary files and folders are created with secure permissions.