Overview
CVE-2025-65842 details a significant local privilege escalation vulnerability found within the Aquarius HelperTool (version 1.0.003) on macOS. This flaw allows a local attacker to gain root privileges on the system. The vulnerability stems from insecure handling of XPC connections and improper authorization checks within the HelperTool’s privileged XPC service.
Technical Details
The Aquarius HelperTool utilizes an XPC service to perform privileged operations. The core of the vulnerability lies in the following:
- Unvalidated XPC Connections: The service accepts XPC connections from any local process without properly validating the client’s identity. This means any application running on the system can initiate a connection to the HelperTool.
- Faulty Authorization Logic: The
executeCommand:authorization:withReply:method attempts to perform authorization checks usingAuthorizationCopyRights. However, it passes aNULLreference as an argument. This critical error causes all authorization checks to effectively succeed, bypassing security measures intended to restrict access. - Unsanitized Input and Command Execution: After the failed authorization check, the
executeCommand:authorization:withReply:method interpolates attacker-controlled input directly into anNSTaskobject. ThisNSTaskis then executed with root privileges. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary commands, leading to privilege escalation.
In summary, the lack of client validation, combined with the failed authorization check and unsanitized input, creates a pathway for a local attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges.
CVSS Analysis
At the time of publication (2025-12-03), a CVSS score for CVE-2025-65842 is not yet available. However, given the nature of the vulnerability (local privilege escalation to root), it is highly likely to receive a critical CVSS score, potentially in the range of 7.0-10.0 depending on exploitability and impact factors.
Possible Impact
The successful exploitation of CVE-2025-65842 can have severe consequences:
- Arbitrary Command Execution as Root: Attackers can execute any command on the system with root privileges, giving them complete control.
- Persistent Backdoor Creation: Attackers can install persistent backdoors to maintain root access even after a system reboot.
- Full Interactive Root Shell: Attackers can obtain a fully interactive root shell, allowing them to perform any action on the system.
- Data Theft and System Compromise: With root access, attackers can steal sensitive data, modify system configurations, and compromise the entire system.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The primary mitigation for CVE-2025-65842 is to update the Aquarius HelperTool to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability. Users should immediately:
- Check for Updates: Check the Aquarius HelperTool application for available updates through the application itself or the vendor’s website.
- Apply the Patch: If an update is available, immediately download and install it.
- Contact the Vendor: If no update is immediately available, contact the Aquarius HelperTool vendor for information on when a patch will be released.
- Temporary Workarounds (If Available): While awaiting a patch, investigate whether the vendor provides any temporary workarounds or configuration changes that can mitigate the risk. However, thoroughly evaluate the impact of any workarounds before implementing them.
