Trend Micro Security (Consumer): Windows Shortcut Following (.LNK)
CVE-2025-52521 is a high-severity windows shortcut following (.LNK) vulnerability in Trend Micro Security (Consumer) from Trend Micro, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 17.8.1476 as the first without the flaw, so updating Trend Micro Security (Consumer) to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.39% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Trend Micro Security (Consumer) to 17.8.1476 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on helpcenter.trendmicro.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trend Micro | Trend Micro Security (Consumer) | 17.8 up to, but not including, 17.8.1476 | 17.8.1476 |
| Trend Micro | Maximum Security 2022 | 17.8 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CNA (trendmicro.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.1 | High | NVD |
Official description
Trend Micro Security 17.8 (Consumer) is vulnerable to a link following local privilege escalation vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to unintentionally delete privileged Trend Micro files including its own.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Windows Shortcut Following (.LNK)
The product, when opening a file or directory, does not sufficiently handle when the file is a Windows shortcut (.LNK) whose target is outside of the intended control sphere. This could allow an attacker to cause the product to operate on unauthorized files.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
More Windows Shortcut Following (.LNK) vulnerabilities (CWE-64)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-25-585/Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Trend Micro Security (Consumer)
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
Recent Windows Shortcut Following (.LNK) vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.