Description

Dell System Update, versions prior to 2.3.0.0, contains an Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Remote execution.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "7.3",
  "pubDate": "2026-10-06T19:18:15.847Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-10-06T19:18:15.847Z",
  "executiveSummary": "Dell System Update (DSU) versions prior to 2.3.0.0 are susceptible to a path traversal vulnerability classified as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory.\nThis security flaw resides in the application's file handling mechanisms, allowing a local, low-privileged attacker to escape restricted directory boundaries.\nThe primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential for remote code execution, posing a significant risk to the integrity and security of the affected host system.\nExploitation requires the attacker to possess local access to the target machine.\nBy manipulating file paths, an attacker can bypass security controls to execute arbitrary payloads with the privileges of the DSU process.\nGiven the nature of the application, which often interacts with firmware and BIOS/UEFI updates, successful exploitation may lead to full system compromise or persistence mechanisms being established.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability is identified as an Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly referred to as a path traversal or directory traversal flaw.\nIn Dell System Update versions prior to 2.3.0.0, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input or validated file paths when processing update packages or related metadata.\nWhen an application processes file paths without adequate validation—such as checking for dot-dot-slash (../) sequences or equivalent directory traversal patterns—it may inadvertently allow an attacker to reference files or directories outside of the intended, secured directory structure.\nThe attack flow begins with a local, low-privileged actor supplying a malicious file path to the DSU component. Because the application does not restrict the path resolution to the expected directory, the underlying file system API resolves the path based on the attacker's input.\nThis allows the attacker to read, overwrite, or place malicious binaries into sensitive locations on the file system, such as startup folders, library paths, or system configuration directories.\nThe ultimate goal of this exploitation is Remote Code Execution (RCE). An attacker can leverage the traversal capability to overwrite legitimate application components or executable files with malicious code. Once the manipulated file is executed by the Dell System Update process—which often runs with elevated administrative or SYSTEM privileges—the malicious payload inherits those privileges.\nThe vulnerable component involves the logic responsible for handling update repository files and local path resolution. By injecting traversal sequences, the attacker subverts the file system's access controls, forcing the application to perform unauthorized file operations.\nThis flaw is particularly critical because DSU is designed to manage system firmware and drivers, necessitating high-level access to the host operating system. A successful exploit effectively transitions a low-privileged user into a high-privileged state, potentially bypassing standard operating system security boundaries. Post-exploitation impact includes full system compromise, deployment of kernel-level threats, or the exfiltration of sensitive system data."
}