CVE-2025-59510: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) allows an authorized attacker to deny service locally.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-59510 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access, or 'link following') found in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, specifically within the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS). The flaw arises because RRAS improperly resolves symbolic links or junction points before accessing files, allowing an authorized local attacker to manipulate file system links to cause unintended file access behavior. This can lead to a denial of service condition by disrupting RRAS operations or causing service crashes. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have local privileges (PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), and the attack complexity is low (AC:L), making exploitation feasible for users with some level of access. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity primarily due to the impact on availability (A:H) without affecting confidentiality or integrity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no patches were linked at the time of publication, indicating that remediation may require vendor updates. The vulnerability's presence in Windows 10 Version 1809, an older but still deployed OS version, means that legacy systems remain at risk. The improper link resolution can be exploited to cause service interruptions, potentially impacting network connectivity and remote access capabilities dependent on RRAS.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-59510 is the potential denial of service of RRAS, which could disrupt remote access and routing services critical for business operations, especially in enterprises relying on legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems. This disruption could affect availability of internal network resources, VPN connectivity, and remote management capabilities. While the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, the loss of availability can lead to operational downtime, reduced productivity, and increased support costs. Organizations in sectors with stringent uptime requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, may experience significant operational challenges. Additionally, the need for local access to exploit the vulnerability limits remote exploitation but raises concerns about insider threats or compromised local accounts. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time. European organizations still running Windows 10 Version 1809 should prioritize assessing their exposure and preparing for patch deployment.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2025-59510, organizations should first inventory their systems to identify any running Windows 10 Version 1809 with RRAS enabled. Since no patches were linked at the time of disclosure, organizations should monitor Microsoft security advisories closely for updates or hotfixes addressing this vulnerability. In the interim, restrict local access to systems running RRAS to trusted administrators only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. Employ strict access controls and auditing on accounts with local privileges to detect and prevent unauthorized activities. Consider disabling RRAS on systems where it is not essential to reduce the attack surface. Implement network segmentation to isolate critical RRAS servers from less trusted network zones. Additionally, educate administrators about the risks of local privilege misuse and enforce the principle of least privilege. Once patches become available, prioritize timely deployment to affected systems. Regularly update and maintain endpoint protection solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Poland
CVE-2025-59510: CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809
Description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) allows an authorized attacker to deny service locally.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-59510 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access, or 'link following') found in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, specifically within the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS). The flaw arises because RRAS improperly resolves symbolic links or junction points before accessing files, allowing an authorized local attacker to manipulate file system links to cause unintended file access behavior. This can lead to a denial of service condition by disrupting RRAS operations or causing service crashes. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have local privileges (PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), and the attack complexity is low (AC:L), making exploitation feasible for users with some level of access. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity primarily due to the impact on availability (A:H) without affecting confidentiality or integrity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no patches were linked at the time of publication, indicating that remediation may require vendor updates. The vulnerability's presence in Windows 10 Version 1809, an older but still deployed OS version, means that legacy systems remain at risk. The improper link resolution can be exploited to cause service interruptions, potentially impacting network connectivity and remote access capabilities dependent on RRAS.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-59510 is the potential denial of service of RRAS, which could disrupt remote access and routing services critical for business operations, especially in enterprises relying on legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems. This disruption could affect availability of internal network resources, VPN connectivity, and remote management capabilities. While the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, the loss of availability can lead to operational downtime, reduced productivity, and increased support costs. Organizations in sectors with stringent uptime requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, may experience significant operational challenges. Additionally, the need for local access to exploit the vulnerability limits remote exploitation but raises concerns about insider threats or compromised local accounts. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time. European organizations still running Windows 10 Version 1809 should prioritize assessing their exposure and preparing for patch deployment.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2025-59510, organizations should first inventory their systems to identify any running Windows 10 Version 1809 with RRAS enabled. Since no patches were linked at the time of disclosure, organizations should monitor Microsoft security advisories closely for updates or hotfixes addressing this vulnerability. In the interim, restrict local access to systems running RRAS to trusted administrators only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. Employ strict access controls and auditing on accounts with local privileges to detect and prevent unauthorized activities. Consider disabling RRAS on systems where it is not essential to reduce the attack surface. Implement network segmentation to isolate critical RRAS servers from less trusted network zones. Additionally, educate administrators about the risks of local privilege misuse and enforce the principle of least privilege. Once patches become available, prioritize timely deployment to affected systems. Regularly update and maintain endpoint protection solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts.
Affected Countries
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2025-09-17T03:06:33.548Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69137c4847ab3590319da085
Added to database: 11/11/2025, 6:11:20 PM
Last enriched: 1/2/2026, 11:08:55 PM
Last updated: 1/7/2026, 5:24:29 AM
Views: 35
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