A high‑severity vulnerability, CVE‑2025‑36537, has been identified in TeamViewer Remote Management for Windows-allowing local, unprivileged users to delete files with SYSTEM-level privileges via MSI rollback (CVSS 7.0). Fixed in version 15.67 on 24 June 2025, this issue poses real risks in managed environments. Until patched, organizations in MEA and beyond should act swiftly with updates and defensive controls.
On 24 June 2025, TeamViewer issued bulletin TV‑2025‑1002, detailing a vulnerability affecting versions of TeamViewer Remote Management (Full Client and Host) prior to 15.67 on Windows systems. The bug-an Incorrect Permission Assignment (CWE‑732)-enables local users to exploit MSI rollback to delete SYSTEM‑owned files via backup, monitoring, and patch management tools.
Severity & Impact
Assigned CVE‑2025‑36537 with a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.0 (High), the vulnerability demands local access and elevated privileges to exploit. Though not remotely exploitable, successful misuse could allow attackers to cripple remote management infrastructure. TeamViewer notes no active exploitation is currently observed .
Technical Breakdown
Who’s Affected
Windows pre-version 15.67 users engaging Remote Management modules-Backup, Monitoring, Patch Management-on either Full Client or Host editions are vulnerable.
How It Works
Local attackers leverage MSI’s rollback file deletion process to remove critical system files owned by SYSTEM. The flawed permission settings enable escalation and operational disruption via native OS mechanisms.
Fix & Response
TeamViewer patched the vulnerability in version 15.67, addressing incorrect permissions on rollback files. Users are urged to upgrade immediately .
MEA Perspective: Why Regional IT Teams Should Care
- Widespread deployment of TeamViewer in regional MENA and Africa managed service provider (MSP) networks means many remote support systems could be exposed.
- Countries like UAE (NESA) and Saudi Arabia (NCA ECC) mandate robust cybersecurity and security services, requiring timely patching of known vulnerabilities.
- Local regulatory frameworks support disclosure of security flaws; failure to comply may result in penalties or audit failures.
Global Context & Where It Sits
TeamViewer’s issue echoes similar vulnerabilities in remote‑access tools like RemoteView and Ivanti, which have faced local privilege escalation via permission misconfigurations. It’s part of a broader trend: trusted remote tools can introduce deep system-level exposure. Organizations worldwide-including in Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas-have experienced damage from similar CWE‑732 and MSI rollback bugs.
Insights from Experts
“This vulnerability emphasizes how trusted remote‑management tools can harbor dangerous privileges when MSI rollback is misused,” warns Giuliano Sanfins from Trend Micro ZDI, credited for responsible disclosure .
A senior analyst at regional SOC provider SaintyNet commented, “Remote‑management systems must be treated like any service with SYSTEM‑level reach—patched, monitored, and fundamentals hardened.”
Mitigation and Defensive Takeaways
- Patch Immediately: Upgrade to 15.67 or later across all Windows systems.
- Harden Local Access Control: Restrict MSI rollback privileges to administrators.
- Enable Least Privilege Policies: Limit Remote Management features only where strictly necessary.
- Monitor MSI activity logs: Detect suspicious rollback operations.
- Use File Integrity Monitoring: Deploy tools like Tripwire or Wazuh to alert on deletion of protected files.
- Audit SYSTEM-owned folders: Compare hashes regularly to spot unauthorized changes.
- Enforce application whitelisting to prevent execution during rollback.
- Run periodic pentesting of remote-management endpoints via trusted pentesting services.
- Educate IT teams on MSI rollback threats through formal training modules.
- Integrate this vulnerability into incident-response playbooks and tabletop exercises.
Conclusion
While not remotely exploitable, CVE‑2025‑36537 is a stark reminder: remote‑management and patching tools regularly operate at the highest system level warranting as much scrutiny as public‑facing services. Organizations, especially in MEA regions, must act fast-patching, hardening, and monitoring-to maintain the integrity of foundational security services. Vigilance now prevents deeper compromise later.
Sources
- TeamViewer Bulletin TV‑2025‑1002, Issue & Last Update: 24 June 2025 (teamviewer.com, teamviewer.com, teamviewer.com)
- CVE‑2025‑36537 Details & CVSS Score
- Comparable CWE‑732 flaw: TeamViewer Patch & Asset Management, CVE‑2024‑12363 (teamviewer.com)
- Remote‑tools local privilege escalation in RemoteView (CVE‑2025‑22447) (cvedetails.com)
- Ivanti VPN remote-code exploits as context (arstechnica.com)
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