CVE-2025-12418 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access, also known as 'Link Following') affecting multiple versions of Revenera InstallShield (2023.R1, 2024.R1, and 2025.R1). The issue arises during uninstall operations initiated by local administrators, where the software attempts to remove a user-writable configuration directory. If this directory is replaced or linked via a symbolic link (symlink) to another location, InstallShield follows the symlink and attempts to remove files or directories unintended by the original uninstall logic. This behavior can lead to a Denial of Service (DoS) condition, potentially disrupting the uninstall process or causing collateral damage to other files or directories. The vulnerability requires local privilege (local administrator) and user interaction to trigger, with no network vector involved. The CVSS v4.0 score is 5.6 (medium severity), reflecting the moderate ease of exploitation and significant impact on availability. The vendor has released hotfixes for all affected versions to correct the improper link resolution behavior and prevent symlink traversal during uninstall. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the vulnerability poses a risk in environments where local admins perform uninstallations and where symlink manipulation is possible. This flaw is particularly relevant in software development, deployment, and IT operations environments that rely on InstallShield for packaging and installation management.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-12418 is operational disruption due to Denial of Service during uninstall processes of software packaged with InstallShield. This can affect IT departments, software vendors, and enterprises that use InstallShield for internal or external software deployment. The DoS may delay or prevent proper software removal, potentially causing system inconsistencies or requiring manual remediation. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the availability impact can hinder patch management, software lifecycle management, and compliance efforts. Organizations with complex software environments or automated uninstall workflows are at higher risk of operational impact. The requirement for local administrator privileges limits remote exploitation but insider threats or compromised local accounts could leverage this vulnerability. Given the widespread use of InstallShield in software packaging, European software vendors and enterprises with large IT infrastructures could experience disruptions if patches are not applied. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially in targeted attacks or insider misuse scenarios.

1. Apply the official hotfixes released by Revenera for InstallShield versions 2023.R1, 2024.R1, and 2025.R1 immediately to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Restrict local administrator privileges to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of exploitation by unauthorized users. 3. Implement strict controls on the creation and management of symbolic links, particularly in directories used by InstallShield during uninstall operations. 4. Monitor and audit uninstall processes and file system changes to detect unusual symlink activity or failed uninstall attempts. 5. Use endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious file system operations related to symlink traversal. 6. Educate IT staff and administrators about the risks of symlink manipulation and the importance of applying security patches promptly. 7. Where possible, isolate uninstall operations in controlled environments to reduce the risk of collateral damage from symlink exploitation. 8. Review and harden file system permissions on configuration directories to prevent unauthorized modifications or symlink creation.