CVE-2025-12046 is a DLL hijacking vulnerability classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) found in Lenovo's App Store and Browser applications. DLL hijacking occurs when an application loads a dynamic link library (DLL) from an untrusted or user-controllable location due to improper search path handling. In this case, the vulnerable Lenovo applications fail to securely specify the full path to required DLLs, allowing a local authenticated attacker to place a malicious DLL in a directory that the application searches before the legitimate DLL. When the application loads the malicious DLL, the attacker’s code executes with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability requires local access with some privileges (low privileges) but does not require user interaction or authentication beyond local access. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates low attack complexity and no user interaction, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild and no patches have been released, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for privilege escalation and code execution. This issue affects all versions of the Lenovo App Store and Browser as indicated, and the vulnerability was published on December 10, 2025. The lack of patches means organizations must rely on interim mitigations until vendor updates are available.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a serious risk of local privilege escalation on Lenovo devices running the affected applications. Attackers who gain local access—through physical access, compromised credentials, or other means—could execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and persistence within networks. Sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of their data and operations. The vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within networks if exploited on endpoints used as pivot points. Given Lenovo's significant market share in Europe, especially in business and government sectors, the impact could be widespread. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high CVSS score underscores the urgency of addressing the issue.

1. Restrict local user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 2. Implement application whitelisting and restrict the directories from which DLLs can be loaded, enforcing strict path validation. 3. Use tools such as Microsoft's Process Monitor to identify suspicious DLL loading behavior from untrusted paths. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous DLL injection or loading activities. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of physical and credential security. 6. Regularly audit and harden system configurations to prevent unauthorized file placements in directories searched by vulnerable applications. 7. Monitor Lenovo’s security advisories closely and apply official patches immediately upon release. 8. Consider temporarily disabling or restricting use of the Lenovo App Store and Browser applications in sensitive environments until patches are available. 9. Use Group Policy or other management tools to enforce secure DLL search order settings where applicable.