CVE-2025-49680
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to exploit improper link resolution in Windows Performance Recorder, enabling local denial of service attacks. It affects Windows systems where the attacker has local access and can manipulate symbolic links to disrupt system functionality.
💻 Affected Systems
- Windows Performance Recorder
📦 What is this software?
Windows 10 1507 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1507 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1607 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1607 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1809 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1809 by Microsoft
Windows 10 21h2 by Microsoft
Windows 10 22h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 22h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 23h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 24h2 by Microsoft
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system instability or crash requiring reboot, potentially disrupting critical services on the affected machine.
Likely Case
Local denial of service affecting Windows Performance Recorder functionality, possibly impacting performance monitoring and diagnostic capabilities.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper access controls and monitoring in place to detect suspicious link manipulation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authorized access and knowledge of symbolic link manipulation techniques specific to Windows Performance Recorder.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Microsoft's monthly security updates for specific KB numbers
Vendor Advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-49680
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Apply latest Windows security updates via Windows Update. 2. For enterprise environments, deploy patches through WSUS or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. 3. Restart affected systems after patch installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict symbolic link creation
windowsLimit ability to create symbolic links to trusted administrators only
Use Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > User Rights Assignment > Create symbolic links
Monitor symbolic link activity
windowsEnable auditing for symbolic link creation and access
auditpol /set /subcategory:"File System" /success:enable /failure:enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can use Windows Performance Recorder
- Monitor for unusual symbolic link creation patterns and file access attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Windows version and installed updates against Microsoft's security bulletin for CVE-2025-49680Check Version:
wmic os get caption, version, buildnumber, csdversionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that the latest Windows security updates are installed and system has been restarted📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Event ID 4656 (File System access) with suspicious paths
- Multiple failed file access attempts to Windows Performance Recorder files
- Symbolic link creation events by non-administrative users
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
EventID=4656 AND (TargetObject:"*Performance Recorder*" OR TargetObject:"*symlink*")