CVE-2025-68623

High

Description

In Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer 9.29.1974.0, a low-privilege user can replace an executable file during the installation process, which may result in unintended elevation of privileges. During installation, the installer runs with HIGH integrity and downloads executables and DLLs to the %TEMP% folder - writable by standard users. Subsequently, the installer executes the downloaded executable with HIGH integrity to complete the application installation. However, an attacker can replace the downloaded executable with a malicious, user-controlled executable. When the installer executes this replaced file, it runs the attacker's code with HIGH integrity. Since code running at HIGH integrity can escalate to SYSTEM level by registering and executing a service, this creates a complete privilege escalation chain from standard user to SYSTEM. NOTE: The Supplier disputes this record stating that they have determined this to be the behavior as designed.

SeverityHigh
CVSS8.8
Exploit probability—
ProductDirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer
PublishedMar 11, 2026
First seenMar 11, 2026

How to fix

Sources list no fixed version or patch link for this vulnerability.

Affected products

ProductAffected versionsFixed in
Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer9.29.1974.0—

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