CVE-2025-59511 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2025
External control of file name or path in Windows WLAN Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-59511 represents a critical security flaw within the Windows WLAN Service that enables local privilege escalation through external control of file names or paths. This weakness exists in the Windows operating system's wireless local area network functionality, specifically affecting how the WLAN service handles file path specifications during legitimate operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the service's file handling mechanisms, allowing an authenticated attacker with local access to manipulate file path parameters and potentially execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-73 weakness category, which specifically addresses "External Control of File Name or Path," a well-documented pattern that enables attackers to manipulate file system operations by controlling path names or file names. The flaw operates within the Windows WLAN service context, where legitimate file operations are performed without proper validation of user-supplied path information. The attack vector requires local authentication since the vulnerability exists within a service that typically runs with elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous for attackers who can establish a foothold on the system. The service's handling of wireless network configuration files and associated path specifications creates an attack surface where malicious inputs can be directed to arbitrary file locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain system-level control over affected Windows systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially modify critical system files, install persistent backdoors, or manipulate wireless network configurations to maintain access. The Windows WLAN service typically operates with elevated privileges, making this a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions and is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where wireless network configurations are frequently managed and where local access might be obtained through various attack vectors including social engineering, physical access, or other initial compromise techniques.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-59511 should focus on immediate patching of affected Windows systems through official Microsoft security updates. System administrators should implement least privilege principles and ensure that local user accounts have minimal necessary permissions to reduce the potential impact of exploitation. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit local system access where possible. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Local Port Forwarding" and related privilege escalation methods, though the specific implementation leverages file path manipulation rather than network-based attacks. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running the affected WLAN service components and prioritize remediation efforts. Monitoring for suspicious file system activity and unusual network configuration changes can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting controls and restricting write access to critical system directories can provide defense-in-depth measures against this specific attack vector.