Advisory Details

July 8th, 2025

Microsoft Windows Startup Folder SmartScreen Bypass Vulnerability

ZDI-25-582
ZDI-CAN-27246

CVE ID CVE-2025-49740
CVSS SCORE 7.0, AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
AFFECTED VENDORS Microsoft
AFFECTED PRODUCTS Windows
VULNERABILITY DETAILS

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass the SmartScreen security feature on affected installations of Microsoft Windows. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

The specific flaw exists within the handling of executables in the user's Startup folder. When automatically launching executables from the Startup folder, Windows does not apply the SmartScreen security feature. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user.

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-2025-49740
DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
  • 2025-05-21 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2025-07-08 - Coordinated public release of advisory
  • 2025-07-08 - Advisory Updated
CREDIT Simon Zuckerbraun - Trend Zero Day Initiative
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