CVE-2025-29795 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-59, which involves improper link resolution before file access, commonly referred to as 'link following'. This issue exists in the Microsoft Edge Update Setup component, specifically version 1.0.0.0. The vulnerability allows an authorized local attacker to exploit symbolic link handling flaws to elevate their privileges on the affected system. Essentially, the update setup process fails to properly validate or resolve symbolic links before accessing files, enabling an attacker to redirect file operations to arbitrary locations. This can result in overwriting or modifying sensitive files, leading to full system compromise. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8, indicating a high severity level, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and impact make it a significant threat. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it leverages a common update mechanism, which typically runs with elevated privileges, thus facilitating privilege escalation. The vulnerability was published on March 23, 2025, and is currently unpatched as no patch links are provided. Organizations relying on Microsoft Edge and its update infrastructure should prioritize mitigation efforts.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-29795 can be severe. Since the vulnerability allows local privilege escalation, an attacker who gains limited access to a system can leverage this flaw to obtain administrative privileges. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, disruption of services, and complete system takeover. Given the widespread use of Microsoft Edge in corporate and governmental environments across Europe, the risk of lateral movement and escalation within networks is significant. Critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and public sector entities are particularly at risk due to the potential for data breaches and operational disruptions. The vulnerability's exploitation could undermine trust in update mechanisms, complicate incident response, and increase remediation costs. Furthermore, the lack of user interaction required for exploitation means that insider threats or attackers with initial footholds can escalate privileges stealthily. This elevates the threat level for organizations with large numbers of endpoint devices running vulnerable versions of Microsoft Edge Update Setup.

To mitigate CVE-2025-29795, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Monitor Microsoft’s security advisories closely and apply patches or updates for Microsoft Edge Update Setup as soon as they become available. 2) Restrict local user permissions rigorously to minimize the number of users with privileges sufficient to exploit this vulnerability. 3) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect unusual file system activities, especially those involving symbolic link creation or modification. 4) Harden the update process by auditing and restricting write permissions on directories used by the Edge Update Setup to prevent unauthorized symbolic link creation. 5) Conduct regular security awareness training to ensure that users understand the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of reporting suspicious activities. 6) Use system integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to critical system files or update components. 7) Consider network segmentation to limit the spread of an attacker who gains elevated privileges on one machine. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling symbolic link abuse and securing the update infrastructure.