CVE-2025-59373 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability categorized under CWE-732 (Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource) found in the ASUS MyASUS application, specifically within the restore mechanism of the ASUS System Control Interface. The vulnerability arises because the restore process improperly validates file permissions, allowing an unprivileged local actor to copy arbitrary files into protected system directories. These files can then be executed with SYSTEM-level privileges, effectively granting the attacker full control over the affected machine. The vulnerability requires local access but no authentication or user interaction, making it a significant risk in environments where multiple users share systems or where local access can be obtained through other means. The CVSS 4.0 vector (AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N) indicates that the attack vector is local, with low complexity, no authentication required, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the potential for arbitrary code execution at SYSTEM level makes this vulnerability critical to address. ASUS has acknowledged the issue and referenced a security update for MyASUS, though no patch links are currently provided. The vulnerability affects all versions of MyASUS as indicated, implying a broad impact across ASUS devices running this software. The root cause is improper permission assignment, a common security flaw that can be mitigated by enforcing strict access controls and validating file operations within privileged processes.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-59373 can be severe. Successful exploitation allows attackers to escalate privileges from a local unprivileged user to SYSTEM level, effectively gaining full control over the device. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, disruption of critical services, and lateral movement within corporate networks. Organizations relying on ASUS hardware with MyASUS installed, particularly in shared workstation environments or where endpoint security is lax, face increased risk. The vulnerability undermines system integrity and confidentiality, potentially leading to data breaches or operational downtime. Given the high CVSS score and the absence of required user interaction, the threat is significant in environments where local access is possible, such as corporate offices, public terminals, or remote desktop scenarios. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not diminish the urgency for mitigation, as attackers may develop exploits rapidly once the vulnerability is public. The impact is magnified in sectors with high-value targets such as finance, government, and critical infrastructure within Europe.

1. Apply official security updates from ASUS for MyASUS as soon as they become available to address the vulnerability directly. 2. Until patches are released, restrict local user write permissions to system directories involved in the restore mechanism to prevent unauthorized file copying. 3. Implement strict endpoint security policies that limit local user privileges and enforce the principle of least privilege. 4. Monitor file system activity for unusual file creation or modification within protected system paths, using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools. 5. Conduct regular audits of user permissions and system configurations to identify and remediate misconfigurations. 6. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. 7. Consider isolating critical systems or restricting physical and remote local access to reduce exposure. 8. Employ application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries in sensitive directories. These measures combined will reduce the attack surface and limit the potential for exploitation.