CVE-2025-29817 is a medium-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-427, which refers to an uncontrolled search path element issue within Microsoft Power Automate for Desktop version 1.0.0.0. This vulnerability arises when the application improperly handles the search path for executable files or libraries, allowing an authorized attacker to influence which files are loaded or executed by manipulating the search path. Specifically, the flaw can lead to information disclosure over a network, as the attacker can cause the application to reveal sensitive data by exploiting the uncontrolled search path. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have some level of privileges (PR:L - privileges required) and user interaction (UI:R - user interaction required), but it can be exploited remotely over the network (AV:N - attack vector network) with low attack complexity (AC:L). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality (C:H) but does not affect integrity or availability. The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component. No known exploits are currently in the wild, and no patches have been published yet. Given the nature of Power Automate for Desktop, which is used to automate workflows and integrate various applications, this vulnerability could be leveraged to disclose sensitive information processed or handled by automated tasks, potentially exposing business-critical data or credentials if exploited.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-29817 could be significant, especially for enterprises relying heavily on Microsoft Power Automate for Desktop to streamline business processes and automate workflows. The unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information could lead to data breaches, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability allows information disclosure over the network, attackers could potentially extract confidential data from automated processes or scripts that handle sensitive information such as personal data, financial records, or intellectual property. This risk is heightened in sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies, where automation tools are increasingly integrated into critical operations. Furthermore, the requirement for user interaction and privileges means insider threats or targeted phishing campaigns could facilitate exploitation. The absence of a patch increases the window of exposure, necessitating immediate risk mitigation to prevent potential data leaks and maintain compliance with European data protection standards.

To mitigate CVE-2025-29817 effectively, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Restrict and monitor user privileges to ensure only trusted users have access to Power Automate for Desktop, minimizing the risk of exploitation by unauthorized personnel. 2) Enforce strict control over the environment variables and system PATH settings on machines running Power Automate to prevent attackers from inserting malicious directories or executables into the search path. 3) Conduct thorough code reviews and testing of automated workflows to identify and eliminate dependencies on relative or uncontrolled paths. 4) Implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual outbound connections or data exfiltration attempts originating from systems running Power Automate. 5) Educate users about the risks of social engineering and phishing attacks that could trigger the required user interaction for exploitation. 6) Maintain up-to-date backups and prepare incident response plans tailored to potential data disclosure incidents. 7) Monitor official Microsoft channels for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and prioritize timely deployment once available. 8) Consider temporary disabling or limiting the use of Power Automate for Desktop in high-risk environments until a patch is released.