CVE-2025-9142 Overview
CVE-2025-9142 is a path traversal vulnerability [CWE-22] affecting the Check Point Harmony SASE Windows client. A local authenticated user can manipulate the client to write or delete files outside the intended certificate working directory. The flaw enables arbitrary file write and delete operations beyond the application's expected file system boundary. Successful exploitation can compromise file integrity, application availability, and confidentiality of data accessible to the client process. Check Point published advisory sk184557 to address the issue.
Critical Impact
A local user can leverage the Harmony SASE Windows client to write or delete files in arbitrary locations outside its certificate working directory, enabling tampering with sensitive files and potential privilege escalation paths.
Affected Products
- Check Point Harmony SASE Windows client
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-01-14 - CVE-2025-9142 published to NVD
- 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-9142
Vulnerability Analysis
The Harmony SASE Windows client manages certificates within a designated working directory on the local file system. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of file paths used during certificate-related write and delete operations. A local user with low privileges can supply crafted path inputs that traverse outside the certificate working directory. The client then performs file write or delete actions in attacker-chosen locations.
This weakness is classified as a path traversal issue [CWE-22]. The attack vector is local and requires user interaction, but the impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Because the scope is changed, the affected operation can impact resources beyond the security authority of the vulnerable component.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient canonicalization of file paths before performing file system operations. The client trusts path components that should be constrained to the certificate working directory. Without normalization, sequences such as ..\ or absolute paths escape the intended directory.
Attack Vector
An authenticated local attacker triggers the Harmony SASE client to perform a privileged file operation on a path under their influence. The client writes or deletes files in directories the attacker would not normally access through its own credentials. Targeted files can include configuration data, startup directories, or other components whose modification supports persistence or privilege escalation.
No verified public exploit code is available. See the Check Point Security Advisory for technical details and patched versions.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-9142
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected file write or deletion events generated by the Harmony SASE Windows client process targeting paths outside its certificate working directory.
- Modifications to sensitive Windows locations such as Startup folders, Program Files, or System32 correlated with Harmony SASE client activity.
- Suspicious paths containing ..\ traversal sequences in client telemetry or logs.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor file system events where the Harmony SASE Windows client process is the actor and the target path falls outside its installation and certificate directories.
- Establish a baseline of normal file paths accessed by the client and alert on deviations.
- Correlate client activity with subsequent execution of files written to user-writable locations.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed file access auditing on Windows endpoints running Harmony SASE.
- Forward endpoint file system telemetry to a centralized log platform for retention and analysis.
- Track local user accounts that interact with the Harmony SASE client interface around the time of anomalous file events.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-9142
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed version of the Harmony SASE Windows client as referenced in Check Point advisory sk184557.
- Inventory all Windows endpoints running Harmony SASE and prioritize patching of multi-user and shared workstations.
- Restrict local user privileges on endpoints where the client is installed to limit who can trigger the vulnerable operation.
Patch Information
Check Point has published guidance in Check Point Security Advisory sk184557. Administrators should consult the advisory for fixed client versions and upgrade procedures.
Workarounds
- Limit interactive logon rights on systems running the Harmony SASE Windows client to trusted users only.
- Apply file system Access Control Lists (ACLs) that prevent modification of sensitive directories regardless of the requesting process.
- Monitor and alert on Harmony SASE client file operations outside its expected working directory until patching is complete.
# Configuration example
# See Check Point advisory sk184557 for vendor-provided remediation steps
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
