CVE-2025-29801: Incorrect default permissions in Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privilege

Q: How do I fix CVE-2025-29801?

autoupdate: upgrade to 4.78. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2025-29801 being exploited?

CVE-2025-29801 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2025-29801 affect?

CVE-2025-29801 affects autoupdate. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Incorrect default permissions in Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2025-29801?

Priority 48/100. High severity; On your watchlist

This month

HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2025-29801 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting autoupdate. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Incorrect default permissions in Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.1% (top 35%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-276
Published	2025-04-08
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Microsoft Corporation · Vendor: microsoft

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-04-08 18:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 09:05 UTCUpdated Record last modified

microsoft autoupdate UPGRADE

Affected: < 4.78

Fixed in: 4.78

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy autoupdate || rpm -q autoupdate || autoupdate --version

2. UPGRADE to 4.78 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade autoupdate

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade autoupdate

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2025-29801?

autoupdate: upgrade to 4.78. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2025-29801 being exploited?

CVE-2025-29801 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2025-29801 affect?

CVE-2025-29801 affects autoupdate. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Incorrect default permissions in Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

How urgent is CVE-2025-29801?

Priority 48/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Related CVEs

CVE-2024-43492 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
CVE-2025-55317 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) allows an authori
CVE-2025-47968 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Improper input validation in Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges lo
CVE-2025-29800 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Improper privilege management in Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privilege
CVE-2025-24036 HIGH 7.0 UPGRADE Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

References

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