CVE-2025-34078: Nsclient Nsclient++ remote code execution (CVSS 7.8)

Description

A local privilege escalation vulnerability exists in NSClient++ 0.5.2.35 when both the web interface and ExternalScripts features are enabled. The configuration file (nsclient.ini) stores the administrative password in plaintext and is readable by local users. By extracting this password, an attacker can authenticate to the NSClient++ web interface (typically accessible on port 8443) and abuse the ExternalScripts plugin to inject and execute arbitrary commands as SYSTEM by registering a custom script, saving the configuration, and triggering it via the API. This behavior is documented but insecure, as the plaintext credential exposure undermines access isolation between local users and administrative functions.

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorLocal

Attack complexityLow

Privileges requiredLow

User interactionNone

ScopeUnchanged

ConfidentialityHigh

IntegrityHigh

AvailabilityHigh

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

Nsclient Nsclient++0.5.2.35

Remediation

No fixed version is recorded in the NVD data. Check the vendor advisory for the latest guidance.

References

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/master/modules/exploits/windows/local/nscp_pe.rbExploitThird Party Advisory
https://vulncheck.com/advisories/nsclient-localtoremote-system-compromiseExploitThird Party Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46802ExploitThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48360ExploitVDB Entry

Related CVEs

Recent high-severity vulnerabilities sharing a weakness type.

Frequently asked

Is CVE-2025-34078 being actively exploited?

CVE-2025-34078 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. A public exploit reference exists, so treat it as exploitable. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.71%.

How severe is CVE-2025-34078?

CVE-2025-34078 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, rated high. EPSS estimates a 0.71% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2025-34078?

Affected products include Nsclient Nsclient++.

How do I fix CVE-2025-34078?

Apply the vendor's patch or advisory guidance, then verify no affected versions remain across your devices.

How Secuno handles this

Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-34078 against the real software inventory on every managed device, every day. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.

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