Executive brief
Rapid7 Metasploit Pro, a security testing platform, is vulnerable to a flaw that allows a standard user to take full control of a Windows host. By placing a malicious file in a specific location on the computer, an attacker can trick the software's database service into running unauthorized commands with the highest possible system privileges. This could lead to a complete compromise of the machine, allowing attackers to bypass security controls and access sensitive data.
Technical details
A local privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Rapid7 Metasploit Pro on Windows due to an uncontrolled search path element (CWE-427). Upon startup, the 'metasploitPostgreSQL' service (specifically postgres.exe) attempts to load an OpenSSL configuration file (openssl.cnf) from a non-existent directory that is writable by standard users. An attacker with local access can plant a crafted configuration file in this path to execute arbitrary commands with SYSTEM privileges. The vulnerability was addressed in Metasploit Pro version 5.0.0-2026051301 by adding proper OpenSSL configuration for Postgres.
Affected products
- Rapid7 Metasploit Pro Versions prior to 5.0.0-2026051301
Timeline
- 2026-05-13: patched: Fixed in version 5.0.0-2026051301
- 2026-05-14: advisory: NVD record published
- 2026-05-15: disclosed