CVE-2025-8421 is an improper default permission vulnerability identified in Lenovo Dock Manager, a utility used to manage docking stations for Lenovo laptops. The flaw arises during the installation process where certain files, specifically log files, are assigned incorrect default permissions. This misconfiguration allows an authenticated local user—someone with a valid account on the affected system—to redirect or manipulate log files with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276 (Incorrect Default Permissions), indicating that the software does not enforce secure permissions on critical resources. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.2 (medium), with an attack vector limited to local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no additional authentication required (PR:L), and user interaction needed (UI:P). The impact on confidentiality and integrity is high due to potential unauthorized modification of log files, which could be used to cover tracks or escalate privileges further. Availability impact is none. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no patches or updates have been published by Lenovo at the time of this report. The vulnerability affects all versions of Lenovo Dock Manager as indicated, suggesting a systemic issue in the installation process. The threat requires an attacker to have local user access, which limits remote exploitation but remains significant in environments with multiple users or shared workstations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation by local users, undermining system integrity and audit trails. Attackers could manipulate log files to hide malicious activities or gain elevated access, potentially compromising sensitive data or critical systems. This is particularly concerning in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government sectors where log integrity is crucial for compliance and forensic investigations. The requirement for local access reduces the risk of remote exploitation but does not eliminate the threat in environments with shared or multi-user systems. Additionally, organizations relying heavily on Lenovo hardware and Dock Manager software for device management may face increased exposure. The absence of patches increases the window of vulnerability, necessitating interim controls. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is significant, though availability remains unaffected. Overall, the vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement and persistence within corporate networks if exploited.

Organizations should immediately review and restrict permissions related to Lenovo Dock Manager installation directories and log files to ensure they are not writable by non-privileged users. Implement strict access controls and monitor file integrity for log files to detect unauthorized changes. Limit local user privileges and enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the risk of exploitation. Disable or uninstall Lenovo Dock Manager on systems where it is not essential. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor suspicious activities related to log file manipulation. Maintain rigorous user account management to prevent unauthorized local access. Regularly check for and apply Lenovo security updates or patches once released. Consider deploying application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of altered binaries or scripts. Conduct user awareness training to minimize risky behaviors that could facilitate exploitation. Finally, segment networks to limit the impact of any local compromise.