CVE-2025-29975 is a high-severity local privilege escalation vulnerability found in Microsoft PC Manager version 1.0.0. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-59, which pertains to improper link resolution before file access, commonly known as 'link following'. This flaw arises when the software improperly handles symbolic links or shortcuts during file operations, allowing an authorized local attacker to manipulate the file system paths that the application accesses. By exploiting this, an attacker with limited privileges can trick the application into accessing or modifying files or directories that they should not have permission to, effectively elevating their privileges on the affected system. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with the attack vector being local (AV:L), requiring low attack complexity (AC:L), and low privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects resources within the same security scope. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and high impact make it a critical concern for affected users. Microsoft PC Manager is a system utility designed to optimize and manage PC performance, and its improper handling of file links can be leveraged to gain unauthorized access or control over system components, potentially leading to further compromise or persistence on the system.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially in environments where Microsoft PC Manager is deployed for system maintenance and optimization. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges locally, bypassing security controls and gaining administrative-level access. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification or deletion of critical system files, and disruption of system availability. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection regulations, such as finance, healthcare, and government, could face severe compliance and operational impacts if exploited. Additionally, the ability to elevate privileges locally can be a stepping stone for attackers to deploy malware, ransomware, or conduct lateral movement within enterprise networks. Since the attack requires local access, insider threats or attackers who have gained initial footholds through other means could leverage this vulnerability to deepen their control over affected systems.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Apply patches or updates from Microsoft as soon as they become available for Microsoft PC Manager, as the absence of patch links suggests immediate vendor remediation is pending. 2) Restrict and monitor local access to systems running Microsoft PC Manager, ensuring that only trusted users have the necessary privileges to execute or interact with the software. 3) Implement strict file system permissions and auditing to detect and prevent unauthorized creation or manipulation of symbolic links or shortcuts that could be exploited. 4) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious file system activities related to link following. 5) Conduct regular security awareness training to inform users about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of reporting unusual system behavior. 6) Consider disabling or limiting the use of Microsoft PC Manager in sensitive environments until a patch is available, or use alternative trusted system management tools that do not exhibit this vulnerability.