CVE-2025-53769 in Windows Security App
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2025
External control of file name or path in Windows Security App allows an authorized attacker to perform spoofing locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-53769 represents a critical security flaw within the Windows Security application that enables authorized users to manipulate file names or paths through external control mechanisms. This weakness specifically affects the Windows Security suite's handling of file operations and path resolution processes, creating opportunities for malicious actors who have legitimate access to the system to exploit this functionality for unauthorized purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and path sanitization within the Windows Security application's file handling routines. When the application processes user-supplied file names or paths, it fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before executing file operations. This allows an attacker with authorized access to manipulate the file path resolution logic through external control mechanisms, potentially leading to path traversal attacks or file system manipulation. The flaw exists at the application layer where file operations are executed, and it leverages the legitimate permissions granted to authorized users to escalate their privileges or conduct spoofing operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations that rely on Windows Security for endpoint protection. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform local spoofing operations by manipulating file paths that the security application processes, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive files or directories. The impact extends beyond simple path manipulation as it enables attackers to bypass certain security controls that depend on proper path validation, allowing them to access resources they should not normally be able to reach. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authorized access to the system, making it difficult to detect and potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected while conducting malicious activities.
The security implications of CVE-2025-53769 align with CWE-73 and CWE-22 categories, which specifically address external control of file name or path and improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. These weaknesses fall under the broader ATT&CK framework category of privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, where adversaries leverage legitimate system functionality to bypass security controls. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to move laterally within networks or escalate privileges by manipulating file system operations that the Windows Security application performs on behalf of authorized users. Organizations implementing security controls that depend on proper path validation or file handling within the Windows Security environment are particularly at risk, as this vulnerability undermines the integrity of these security measures.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all file name and path operations within the Windows Security application. System administrators should ensure that the application runs with minimal required privileges and that proper access controls are enforced to prevent unauthorized manipulation of file paths. Regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon availability, as this vulnerability affects core security functionality. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous file path operations or unauthorized manipulation attempts within the Windows Security application, particularly focusing on unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in security-critical applications, emphasizing that even authorized access should be carefully controlled and monitored to prevent abuse of legitimate system functionality.