CVE-2025-49385
BaseFortify
Publication date: 2025-06-17
Last updated on: 2025-08-26
Assigner: Trend Micro, Inc.
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| trendmicro | maximum_security_2022 | 17.8 |
| microsoft | windows | * |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-64 | The product, when opening a file or directory, does not sufficiently handle when the file is a Windows shortcut (.LNK) whose target is outside of the intended control sphere. This could allow an attacker to cause the product to operate on unauthorized files. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability is a local privilege escalation flaw in Trend Micro Maximum Security 17.8, caused by improper handling of symbolic links. A local attacker with low-level privileges can create a symbolic link that the software's Platinum Host Service follows, leading to unintended deletion of privileged Trend Micro files, including its own. Exploiting this flaw allows the attacker to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level and execute arbitrary code with high privileges. [1, 2]
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
If exploited, this vulnerability can allow a local attacker to gain SYSTEM-level privileges on the affected system. This means the attacker could execute arbitrary code with the highest privileges, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system and data. It could lead to deletion of critical Trend Micro files and full control over the affected machine. [1, 2]
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
To mitigate this vulnerability, you should update Trend Micro Maximum Security to version 17.8.1464 or higher, which includes the fix for this issue. The update is available via ActiveUpdate. Applying this update will address the link following local privilege escalation vulnerability. [2]