CVE-2025-55247 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access) affecting Microsoft .NET 8.0 (version 8.0.0). The issue arises because the .NET runtime improperly resolves symbolic links or other types of file system links before performing file access operations. This improper link following can be exploited by an authorized local attacker with limited privileges to escalate their privileges on the system. The attacker can create or manipulate symbolic links to trick the .NET runtime into accessing or modifying files that should be protected, thereby gaining higher privileges than intended. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3, indicating high severity, with the vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning it requires local access, low attack complexity, limited privileges, and some user interaction, but can impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability significantly. No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and assigned a CVE identifier. This flaw is particularly concerning in environments where .NET 8.0 is used for critical applications or services, as it could allow attackers to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access or control over systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-55247 can be substantial, especially for those relying heavily on Microsoft .NET 8.0 for enterprise applications, internal tools, or critical infrastructure management. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated rights, access sensitive data, modify or delete critical files, and disrupt services. This could result in data breaches, operational downtime, and compromise of regulatory compliance such as GDPR. Organizations in sectors like finance, healthcare, government, and energy, which often use Windows-based environments and .NET frameworks, are particularly vulnerable. The local access requirement limits remote exploitation but insider threats or attackers who gain initial footholds could leverage this vulnerability to deepen their control. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score underscores the urgency of mitigation.

To mitigate CVE-2025-55247 effectively, European organizations should: 1) Restrict local user permissions rigorously, ensuring users have only the minimum necessary rights to reduce the risk of privilege escalation. 2) Implement strict controls and monitoring on the creation and usage of symbolic links or junction points within file systems, especially in directories accessed by .NET applications. 3) Employ application whitelisting and integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized file modifications or suspicious link manipulations. 4) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to identify anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Prepare for rapid deployment of official patches or updates from Microsoft once released, including testing in controlled environments. 6) Educate users about the risks of executing untrusted code or interacting with suspicious prompts that could trigger the vulnerability. 7) Consider isolating critical .NET applications in hardened environments or containers to limit the scope of potential exploitation. 8) Regularly audit and review system and application logs for signs of privilege escalation attempts related to file access operations.