CVE-2025-6264 is a vulnerability identified in Rapid7's Velociraptor, a digital forensics and endpoint monitoring tool that uses VQL (Velociraptor Query Language) queries packaged into artifacts to collect data from endpoints. These artifacts typically run with elevated permissions, and Velociraptor enforces permission requirements to restrict access to sensitive or dangerous artifacts. However, the Admin.Client.UpdateClientConfig artifact, which is used to update the client's configuration on endpoints, does not enforce the additional EXECVE permission that should be required for such a sensitive operation. This flaw allows users who have the COLLECT_CLIENT permission—commonly granted to the "Investigator" role—to collect this artifact and use it to update the client configuration. Because updating the client configuration can lead to arbitrary command execution, this vulnerability effectively enables privilege escalation and endpoint takeover by users who already have limited elevated access. Exploitation requires that the attacker already has authenticated access with the COLLECT_CLIENT permission, which limits the attack surface to internal or trusted users with investigator-level roles. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276 (Incorrect Default Permissions), reflecting the improper permission enforcement on a critical artifact. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.7 (medium severity), with vector AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L, indicating local attack vector, high attack complexity, high privileges required, user interaction required, and partial impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date (June 20, 2025).

For European organizations using Rapid7 Velociraptor, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily in environments where multiple users have investigator-level access. An insider or compromised investigator account could exploit this flaw to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary commands on endpoints, potentially leading to full endpoint compromise. This could result in unauthorized data access, manipulation, or disruption of endpoint operations. Given Velociraptor's role in endpoint monitoring and incident response, a compromised client configuration could also undermine the integrity and reliability of forensic data collection, impacting incident investigations and compliance efforts. The impact is heightened in sectors with strict regulatory requirements for data protection and incident response, such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. However, the requirement for existing elevated permissions and user interaction limits the likelihood of widespread exploitation from external attackers. Organizations relying heavily on Velociraptor for endpoint management should consider the risk of insider threats and the potential for lateral movement within their networks if this vulnerability is exploited.

Review and restrict the assignment of the COLLECT_CLIENT permission to only trusted and necessary personnel, minimizing the number of users who can collect artifacts from endpoints. Implement strict role-based access controls (RBAC) within Velociraptor to ensure that only highly trusted roles have permissions that could lead to configuration changes or command execution. Monitor and audit the use of the Admin.Client.UpdateClientConfig artifact and other sensitive artifacts to detect unusual or unauthorized usage patterns. Apply network segmentation and endpoint protection controls to limit the ability of compromised accounts to move laterally or escalate privileges. Since no patch is currently available, consider deploying compensating controls such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) for users with investigator roles and enhanced logging of artifact collection activities. Regularly review Velociraptor client configurations and endpoint integrity to detect unauthorized changes that may indicate exploitation attempts. Engage with Rapid7 support or security advisories for updates or patches addressing this vulnerability and plan for timely deployment once available.