Privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows Disk Cleanup Tool



| Updated: 2025-06-13
Risk Low
Patch available YES
Number of vulnerabilities 1
CVE-ID CVE-2025-21420
CWE-ID CWE-59
Exploitation vector Local
Public exploit Public exploit code for vulnerability #1 is available.
Vulnerable software
 Windows Server
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor Microsoft

Security Bulletin

This security bulletin contains one low risk vulnerability.

1) Link following

EUVDB-ID: #VU103821

Risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 7.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2025-21420

CWE-ID: CWE-59 - Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')

Exploit availability: Yes

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to insecure link following in Windows Disk Cleanup Tool. A local user can gain elevated privileges on the target system.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows Server: 2012 Gold - 2025 10.0.26100.2894

Windows: 10 21H2 10.0.19041.3920 - 11 24H2 10.0.26100.2894

CPE2.3 External links

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-21420


Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.



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