CVE-2025-11462 is a critical security vulnerability classified under CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access) affecting AWS Client VPN for macOS versions 1.3.2 through 5.2.0. The flaw arises from inadequate validation of the log destination directory during log rotation. Specifically, a local non-administrator user can create a symbolic link (symlink) from a client log file to a privileged system location. When the AWS Client VPN performs log rotation, it follows this symlink and writes log data to the privileged location. If the attacker crafts API calls that inject arbitrary code into the log file, this code can be executed with root privileges during the log rotation process. This vulnerability does not require user interaction and only requires local access with limited privileges, making exploitation feasible in environments where multiple users share systems or where local user accounts are not tightly controlled. The CVSS 4.0 score of 9.3 reflects the critical nature of this vulnerability, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and low attack complexity. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild yet, the potential for privilege escalation to root makes this a significant threat. AWS has addressed the issue in Client VPN for macOS version 5.2.1, recommending immediate upgrade to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a severe risk of local privilege escalation on macOS systems running the affected AWS Client VPN versions. Attackers with local access can gain root privileges, potentially compromising the entire system, accessing sensitive data, or disrupting VPN services critical for secure remote connectivity. This can lead to lateral movement within corporate networks, data breaches, and disruption of business operations. Organizations relying on AWS Client VPN for secure remote access, especially those with macOS endpoints, face increased risk of insider threats or attacks from compromised local accounts. The impact is heightened in sectors with strict data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government, where unauthorized root access could lead to regulatory violations and reputational damage. Additionally, the vulnerability undermines the trust in VPN security, potentially exposing confidential communications and internal resources to attackers.

The primary mitigation is to upgrade all AWS Client VPN for macOS installations to version 5.2.1 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Organizations should enforce strict local user account management policies, limiting the number of users with local access and ensuring non-administrator users cannot create symlinks in sensitive directories. Implement monitoring for unusual symlink creation or log file modifications in VPN client directories. Conduct regular audits of macOS endpoints to detect outdated AWS Client VPN versions and unauthorized local changes. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting privilege escalation attempts and suspicious file system activities. Additionally, consider isolating VPN client machines or restricting local user permissions further to reduce the attack surface. Educate users about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of applying updates promptly. Finally, maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any suspected exploitation.