CVE-2025-60710 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0) involving improper link resolution before file access within the Host Process for Windows Tasks. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-59, which relates to 'Improper Link Resolution Before File Access (Link Following)'. Essentially, the Host Process for Windows Tasks improperly handles symbolic links or similar filesystem references, allowing an attacker with authorized local access to manipulate the link resolution process. This manipulation can lead to the attacker gaining elevated privileges on the system, effectively bypassing normal access controls. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and has a low attack complexity, but it does require the attacker to have some level of local privileges already (PR:L). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity level, with impacts rated high on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the vulnerability's nature suggests that once exploited, it could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting means that affected systems remain vulnerable until Microsoft releases an update. The vulnerability's exploitation vector is local, meaning remote exploitation is not feasible without prior access. This flaw is particularly critical because the Host Process for Windows Tasks is a core system component, and its compromise can lead to widespread system control.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-60710 can be significant. Successful exploitation allows an attacker with local access to escalate privileges to SYSTEM or equivalent levels, enabling full control over affected machines. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and the potential deployment of further malware or ransomware. Organizations with strict data protection requirements under GDPR could face compliance violations if breaches occur due to this vulnerability. The availability of critical systems could be compromised, affecting business continuity, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government. Since the vulnerability requires local access, insider threats or attackers who have already compromised lower-privilege accounts pose the greatest risk. The lack of user interaction requirement increases the risk of automated or stealthy exploitation once local access is obtained. The vulnerability also raises concerns for environments using Windows 11 25H2 in virtualized or cloud scenarios where lateral movement within networks is possible. Overall, the vulnerability threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems, making it a high-priority issue for European enterprises.

1. Apply official Microsoft patches immediately once they become available for Windows 11 Version 25H2 to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are released, restrict local access to critical systems by enforcing strict access controls and limiting administrative privileges. 3. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious activities related to symbolic link manipulation or unusual file system operations. 4. Conduct regular audits of user permissions and remove unnecessary local accounts or privileges to reduce the attack surface. 5. Employ enhanced logging and monitoring of the Host Process for Windows Tasks and related system components to detect potential exploitation attempts early. 6. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of reporting unusual system behavior. 7. In virtualized or cloud environments, segment networks and enforce strict lateral movement controls to contain potential compromises. 8. Use security baselines and hardening guides from Microsoft tailored for Windows 11 to minimize exposure to such vulnerabilities. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises.