CVE-2025-34078: A local privilege escalation vulnerability exists in NSClient++ 0.5.2.35 when both the web interface and Exter

This month

HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2025-34078 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting nsclient\+\+. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

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 arbi

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 46%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-522
Published	2025-07-02
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: nsclient

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-07-02 20:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 09:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nsclient nsclient\+\+ DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.5.2.35

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.5.2.35

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy nsclient++ || rpm -q nsclient++ || nsclient++ --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.5.2.35 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison nsclient++ sudo apt install nsclient++=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.5.2.35> sudo apt-mark hold nsclient++

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list nsclient++ sudo dnf downgrade nsclient++-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.5.2.35> sudo dnf versionlock add nsclient++

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Metasploit: NSClient++ 0.5.2.35 - Privilege escalation

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-2025-34078?

nsclient\+\+: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2025-34078 being exploited?

CVE-2025-34078 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-2025-34078 affect?

CVE-2025-34078 affects nsclient\+\+. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). 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 read

How urgent is CVE-2025-34078?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2025-34079 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE An authenticated remote code execution vulnerability exists in NSClient++ version 0.5.2.35 when the web interf

References

← Back to latest CVEs