Microsoft Windows AppX Deployment Service Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability (CVE-2025-48820)

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Microsoft Windows.

An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the AppX Deployment Service.

By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to delete arbitrary files.

An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM.

Microsoft has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-48820

I am one of the editors here at www.systemtek.co.uk I am a UK based technology professional, with an interest in computer security and telecoms.