CVE-2025-29837 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-59, which pertains to improper link resolution before file access, commonly referred to as 'link following.' This issue affects Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The vulnerability exists within the Windows Installer component, where the system improperly resolves symbolic links or junction points before accessing files. An authorized attacker with local access and low privileges (PR:L) can exploit this flaw to disclose sensitive information by tricking the system into following malicious or unintended links to access files that should otherwise be inaccessible. The vulnerability does not require user interaction (UI:N) and has a low attack complexity (AC:L), meaning exploitation is straightforward once local access is obtained. The scope of the vulnerability is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is primarily on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity or availability (I:N, A:N). No known exploits are currently in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. This vulnerability could be leveraged in scenarios where an attacker has local access to a system, such as through compromised credentials or insider threats, to gain unauthorized access to sensitive files by exploiting the improper link resolution behavior of Windows Installer.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-29837 is significant primarily in environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 is still in use, especially in legacy systems or specialized industrial setups that have not been upgraded. The vulnerability allows local attackers to disclose sensitive information, which could include configuration files, credentials, or other confidential data stored on affected systems. This could lead to further lateral movement within corporate networks or facilitate more advanced attacks such as privilege escalation or data exfiltration. Sectors with high regulatory requirements for data confidentiality, such as finance, healthcare, and government, may face compliance risks if sensitive data is exposed. Additionally, organizations with distributed workforces or those using shared systems are at increased risk due to the possibility of unauthorized local access. Although exploitation requires local privileges, the ease of exploitation and high confidentiality impact make this a concern for internal security postures and endpoint protection strategies.

To mitigate CVE-2025-29837 effectively, European organizations should: 1) Prioritize upgrading or patching Windows 10 Version 1809 systems as soon as official patches become available from Microsoft. 2) Implement strict access controls and monitoring on systems running this OS version to limit local user privileges and detect unusual file access patterns. 3) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify and block suspicious activities related to Windows Installer or link traversal attempts. 4) Conduct regular audits of symbolic links and junction points on critical systems to ensure they are not manipulated maliciously. 5) Educate system administrators and users about the risks of local privilege misuse and enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the attack surface. 6) Consider isolating legacy systems or migrating critical workloads to supported Windows versions to reduce exposure. 7) Monitor vendor advisories and threat intelligence feeds for updates on exploit availability and remediation guidance.