CVE-2025-59373 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability identified in the ASUS MyASUS application, specifically within the restore mechanism of the ASUS System Control Interface. The root cause is an incorrect permission assignment (CWE-732) that allows an unprivileged actor to copy files into protected system directories without proper validation. This flaw enables the attacker to place arbitrary files that the system subsequently executes with SYSTEM-level privileges, effectively granting full control over the affected machine. The vulnerability requires local access with limited privileges but does not require user interaction or elevated authentication beyond that. The CVSS 4.0 score of 8.5 reflects the ease of exploitation (low complexity), the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and the fact that the vulnerability affects critical system components. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for abuse is significant, especially in environments where multiple users share a system or where endpoint security is lax. The vulnerability affects all versions of MyASUS as indicated, and no patches were listed at the time of publication, emphasizing the need for immediate vendor response and user vigilance. The vulnerability's exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or disrupt system operations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk due to the widespread use of ASUS hardware and pre-installed MyASUS software in corporate and consumer environments. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, enabling attackers to access sensitive data, manipulate system configurations, or deploy ransomware and other malicious payloads with SYSTEM privileges. This could disrupt business operations, compromise intellectual property, and lead to regulatory non-compliance under GDPR due to unauthorized data access. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies are particularly vulnerable given their reliance on secure endpoint devices. The local nature of the attack vector means insider threats or attackers with initial footholds could escalate privileges rapidly. The absence of required user interaction facilitates stealthy exploitation. The vulnerability also increases the attack surface for supply chain attacks and lateral movement within networks, amplifying its potential impact across European organizations.

Organizations should immediately audit and restrict write permissions to system directories used by the ASUS System Control Interface to prevent unauthorized file copying by unprivileged users. Implement strict access control policies and use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for unusual file system modifications or execution of unexpected binaries in protected paths. Until official patches are released, consider disabling or uninstalling MyASUS where feasible, especially on critical systems. Employ application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized files. Regularly review user privileges and enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize the risk of local exploitation. Coordinate with ASUS for timely deployment of security updates and monitor vendor advisories closely. Additionally, conduct user awareness training to reduce insider threat risks and implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. Finally, maintain comprehensive backups and incident response plans tailored to privilege escalation scenarios.