Advisory Details

July 8th, 2025

Microsoft Windows AppX Deployment Service Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

ZDI-25-577
ZDI-CAN-26358

CVE ID CVE-2025-48820
CVSS SCORE 7.8, AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
AFFECTED VENDORS Microsoft
AFFECTED PRODUCTS Windows
VULNERABILITY DETAILS

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Microsoft Windows. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the AppX Deployment Service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to delete arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS Microsoft has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-48820
DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
  • 2025-01-28 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2025-07-08 - Coordinated public release of advisory
  • 2025-07-08 - Advisory Updated
CREDIT Simon Zuckerbraun - Trend Micro Zero Day Initiative
BACK TO ADVISORIES