CVE-2025-53769 is a medium severity vulnerability classified under CWE-73, which pertains to External Control of File Name or Path. This vulnerability affects the Microsoft Windows Security App, specifically version 1000.0.0.0. The flaw allows an authorized local attacker to manipulate file names or paths used by the application, enabling spoofing attacks. Spoofing in this context means the attacker can deceive users or the system by presenting falsified information or masquerading as a legitimate file or process. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges (PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have access to the affected system. The vulnerability does not impact integrity or availability but has a high impact on confidentiality (C:H/I:N/A:N), indicating that sensitive information could be exposed or leaked through this flaw. The scope remains unchanged (S:U), so the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component without impacting other system components. The exploitability is low complexity (AC:L), and the exploit code maturity is official (RL:O) with confirmed remediation (RC:C). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was published on August 12, 2025, and was reserved on July 9, 2025. The core risk stems from the external control of file paths or names, which can be leveraged to trick users or security mechanisms into trusting malicious files or processes, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data or bypassing security controls within the Windows Security App environment.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to confidentiality, as attackers with local access could exploit the flaw to gain unauthorized visibility into sensitive information managed or displayed by the Windows Security App. Given that Windows is widely used across European enterprises and government institutions, the potential for local attackers (such as malicious insiders or attackers who have gained limited access) to perform spoofing attacks could undermine trust in security alerts or system integrity. This could lead to data leakage or misinformed security decisions, increasing the risk of further compromise. The lack of impact on integrity and availability limits the risk of system disruption or data tampering, but confidentiality breaches remain a significant concern, especially in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. The absence of user interaction requirement means the attack could be automated or executed stealthily once local access is obtained, raising the threat level in environments where endpoint security controls are weak or where multiple users share systems.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and prevent unauthorized users from gaining local access to sensitive systems. Employing application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can help detect anomalous file path manipulations or spoofing attempts within the Windows Security App context. Organizations should monitor logs for unusual file path activities and enforce the principle of least privilege for all users. Until an official patch is released, consider isolating critical systems and restricting physical and remote access to trusted personnel only. Additionally, educating users about the risks of local attacks and encouraging prompt reporting of suspicious system behavior can reduce exploitation chances. Once Microsoft releases a patch, prioritize its deployment across all affected systems. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on local privilege escalation and spoofing vectors can help identify and remediate related weaknesses proactively.