CVE-2025-27689 Overview
CVE-2025-27689 is an Improper Access Control vulnerability [CWE-284] affecting Dell Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) Tools versions prior to 11.3.0.0. A low-privileged local attacker can exploit this flaw to elevate privileges on the affected host. Dell disclosed the issue in security advisory DSA-2025-169 and released a fixed version to remediate the weakness.
The vulnerability requires local access and low privileges, but no user interaction. Successful exploitation results in high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Critical Impact
A local, low-privileged attacker can escalate to higher privileges on systems running vulnerable Dell iDRAC Tools, potentially gaining administrative control of the host.
Affected Products
- Dell iDRAC Tools versions prior to 11.3.0.0
- Deployments using iDRAC Tools on managed Dell PowerEdge server infrastructure
- Windows and Linux hosts running the vulnerable iDRAC Tools package
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-12 - CVE-2025-27689 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-27689
Vulnerability Analysis
Dell iDRAC Tools is a utility suite used by administrators to manage the iDRAC baseboard management controller on Dell PowerEdge servers. The suite installs local components and services that interact with system-level resources to configure and monitor server hardware.
The vulnerability stems from improper access control within iDRAC Tools components. A user with limited local privileges can leverage the weakness to perform actions reserved for higher-privileged accounts. The attack requires only local access, making any authenticated user on the host a potential threat.
Because iDRAC Tools interacts with hardware management interfaces, privilege elevation gained through this flaw provides an attacker with control over both the operating system and downstream server management capabilities. Dell has classified the issue under CWE-284: Improper Access Control.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient enforcement of access control checks on privileged operations exposed by iDRAC Tools components. Dell has not published the specific technical mechanism in the public advisory. Consult the Dell Security Update Advisory DSA-2025-169 for vendor-supplied details.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local. An attacker must have an existing foothold on the host with a low-privileged account. From that context, the attacker interacts with vulnerable iDRAC Tools components to execute operations or access resources without proper authorization. No user interaction is required, and exploit complexity is low. As of publication, no public proof-of-concept exploit and no evidence of exploitation in the wild have been reported.
No verified exploitation code is available. See the Dell Security Update Advisory for authoritative technical guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-27689
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected creation of privileged accounts or modifications to existing accounts on hosts running Dell iDRAC Tools
- Execution of iDRAC Tools binaries by non-administrative users followed by activity indicating elevated permissions
- Anomalous process trees where iDRAC Tools components spawn shells, scripting engines, or administrative utilities
Detection Strategies
- Inventory endpoints with Dell iDRAC Tools installed and identify those running versions prior to 11.3.0.0
- Baseline expected users and processes that interact with iDRAC Tools binaries and services, then alert on deviations
- Correlate local logon events with subsequent privileged operations tied to iDRAC Tools components
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable process command-line logging on hosts with iDRAC Tools and forward events to a centralized analytics platform
- Monitor file integrity for iDRAC Tools installation directories and related configuration files
- Track privilege changes, service modifications, and scheduled task creation associated with iDRAC Tools processes
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-27689
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Dell iDRAC Tools to version 11.3.0.0 or later on all affected systems
- Restrict local logon rights on servers running iDRAC Tools to trusted administrators only
- Audit local accounts and remove unnecessary users who could exploit the vulnerability from the host
- Review recent privilege changes and administrative activity on affected hosts for signs of exploitation
Patch Information
Dell has released Dell iDRAC Tools 11.3.0.0 to address CVE-2025-27689. Refer to Dell Security Advisory DSA-2025-169 for the official update package, upgrade procedures, and supported platforms. Apply the patch across all managed systems as soon as change control permits.
Workarounds
- Limit installation of iDRAC Tools to jump hosts or management workstations accessible only to server administrators
- Enforce least privilege on hosts by removing standard users from any group with local logon access to iDRAC Tools systems
- Where an immediate upgrade is not feasible, apply application allowlisting to restrict execution of iDRAC Tools binaries to authorized administrators
# Configuration example: Verify installed Dell iDRAC Tools version
# Windows (PowerShell)
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -like "*iDRAC Tools*" } | Select-Object Name, Version
# Linux (RPM-based distributions)
rpm -qa | grep -i idrac
# Linux (Debian-based distributions)
dpkg -l | grep -i idrac
# Confirm the installed version is 11.3.0.0 or later. Upgrade any
# installations below this version using the package provided in DSA-2025-169.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
