CVE-2025-46636 is a vulnerability identified in Dell Encryption software versions prior to 11.12.1, categorized under CWE-59, which involves improper link resolution before file access, commonly known as 'link following'. This flaw allows a low privileged attacker with local access to exploit the software's failure to correctly handle symbolic links or similar file system references before accessing files. By leveraging this, the attacker can redirect file operations to unintended locations, leading to potential information tampering. Specifically, the attacker might modify encrypted files or related configuration files, undermining the integrity of the encrypted data or the encryption process itself. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, meaning the attacker must be able to execute actions on the affected system, but does not require elevated privileges beyond a standard user account. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.6, reflecting a medium severity level, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), low privileges required (PR:L), and user interaction required (UI:R). The impact is high on integrity and availability, but no impact on confidentiality is indicated. No public exploits have been reported yet, and no patches are linked at the time of publication. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery. Dell Encryption is widely used in enterprise environments to secure sensitive data, making this vulnerability relevant for organizations relying on this product for data protection.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-46636 can be significant, especially those relying heavily on Dell Encryption for protecting sensitive or regulated data. The vulnerability allows an attacker with local access to tamper with encrypted files or related configurations, potentially leading to data integrity breaches and disruption of encryption services. This could result in corrupted data, loss of trust in encryption mechanisms, and operational downtime. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, which often mandate strong encryption, are particularly vulnerable. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but raises concerns about insider threats or attackers who gain initial footholds through other means. The integrity and availability impacts could lead to compliance violations under GDPR and other data protection regulations if encrypted data is altered or rendered inaccessible. Additionally, the need for user interaction suggests that social engineering or phishing could be vectors to facilitate exploitation. Overall, the threat could undermine data security assurances and disrupt business continuity in affected European enterprises.

To mitigate CVE-2025-46636, European organizations should implement a multi-layered approach: 1) Apply vendor patches promptly once Dell releases updates addressing this vulnerability, as patching is the definitive fix. 2) Restrict local user permissions rigorously to minimize the number of users who can execute actions that might exploit link following, including limiting access to systems running Dell Encryption. 3) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block suspicious file system activities involving symbolic links or unusual file access patterns. 4) Monitor file system integrity and audit logs for unexpected changes to encrypted files or configuration files to detect potential tampering early. 5) Educate users about the risks of social engineering and the importance of cautious interaction with prompts or requests that could trigger exploitation. 6) Isolate critical systems running Dell Encryption to reduce the risk of lateral movement by attackers with local access. 7) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on local privilege escalation and file system vulnerabilities. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice and address the specific exploitation vector and impact of this vulnerability.