Microsoft Windows 11 25H2 Host Process link following

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Microsoft Windows 11 25H2. This impacts an unknown function of the component Host Process. The manipulation leads to link following. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2025-60710. Local access is required to approach this attack. Moreover, an exploit is present. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Microsoft Windows 11 25H2. This issue affects some unknown processing of the component Host Process. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a link following vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-59. The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Host Process for Windows Tasks allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

The weakness was disclosed 11/11/2025 as confirmed security update guide (Website). It is possible to read the advisory at msrc.microsoft.com. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-2025-60710. The exploitation is known to be easy. Attacking locally is a requirement. Technical details are unknown but an exploit is available. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 04/13/2026).

It is declared as attacked. The CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog lists this issue since 04/13/2026 with a due date of 04/27/2026:

Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. A possible mitigation has been published immediately after the disclosure of the vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2025-2564). Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

Affected

• Hitachi Storage
• Microsoft Windows 11
• Microsoft Windows Server
• Microsoft Windows Server 2016
• Microsoft Windows 10
• Microsoft Windows Server 2019
• Microsoft Windows Server 2022
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2025

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Microsoft

Name

• Windows

Version

• 11 25H2

License

• commercial

Website

• Vendor: https://www.microsoft.com/
• Product: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows

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