CVE-2025-48443 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability affecting Trend Micro Password Manager (Consumer) version 5.0.0.1266 and earlier. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-64, which relates to improper handling of Windows shortcut (LNK) files. Specifically, this flaw allows a local attacker with limited privileges to exploit the way the software processes Windows shortcut files during installation by an administrator. By leveraging this vulnerability, the attacker can cause deletion of arbitrary files with administrative privileges, effectively escalating their rights on the system. The attack requires the presence of an administrator installing the vulnerable version of Trend Micro Password Manager, and some user interaction is necessary (e.g., the administrator running the installer). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.7 (medium severity), reflecting the local attack vector (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), low privileges required (PR:L), and user interaction (UI:R). The impact includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability consequences since arbitrary file deletion with admin rights can lead to system compromise, data loss, or disruption of critical services. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability is significant because password managers are security-critical applications, and compromising them or their installation process can undermine overall system security. The vulnerability scope is local, affecting only systems where the vulnerable software is installed or being installed, and requires a local attacker to be present with some level of access. The issue arises from improper validation or handling of Windows shortcut files, which can be crafted maliciously to trigger unintended file deletions during installation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily during the installation or upgrade of Trend Micro Password Manager on Windows endpoints. If exploited, an attacker with limited local access could escalate privileges to administrator level, enabling deletion of critical system or application files. This could lead to denial of service, data loss, or further compromise of the endpoint. Given that password managers store sensitive credentials, any disruption or compromise could have cascading effects on organizational security posture. Enterprises with many Windows workstations using Trend Micro Password Manager may face increased risk during deployment phases. Additionally, organizations with less stringent endpoint access controls or where users have local access to shared machines are more vulnerable. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not trivially exploitable remotely, the potential damage from successful exploitation is substantial. This could impact confidentiality (exposure of credentials if the password manager is compromised), integrity (tampering with system files), and availability (system instability or denial of service).

1. Prioritize upgrading Trend Micro Password Manager to a version beyond 5.0.0.1266 as soon as a patch or updated version is released by Trend Micro. 2. Until a patch is available, restrict local user access on Windows systems where the password manager is installed or being installed, especially limiting non-administrative users from running installers or modifying shortcut files. 3. Implement strict endpoint protection policies that monitor and block suspicious manipulation of shortcut files (.lnk) during software installation processes. 4. Use application whitelisting and integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized file deletions or modifications during installation. 5. Educate administrators to perform installations in controlled environments and avoid running installers from untrusted sources or locations. 6. Employ least privilege principles to minimize the number of users with local access rights that could attempt exploitation. 7. Monitor system logs for unusual file deletion events or privilege escalation attempts related to Trend Micro Password Manager installation. 8. Consider isolating installation activities to dedicated administrative workstations with enhanced security controls to reduce attack surface.