CVE-2019-1065 is a high-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1803. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of objects in memory by the Windows kernel. Specifically, the kernel fails to correctly manage certain memory objects, which can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This level of access allows the attacker to perform critical actions such as installing programs, modifying or deleting data, and creating new user accounts with full administrative rights. Exploitation requires the attacker to have already logged onto the system with some level of user privileges. The attack vector involves running a specially crafted application designed to trigger the vulnerability and escalate privileges. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond running the malicious application. Microsoft addressed this issue by releasing an update that corrects the kernel's handling of memory objects, thereby preventing the exploitation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), low privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits in the wild have been reported, but the potential impact remains significant due to the kernel-level code execution capability.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, especially in environments where Windows 10 Version 1803 is still in use. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, enabling attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, and disrupt operations. This is particularly critical for sectors handling sensitive personal data under GDPR, such as finance, healthcare, and government institutions. The ability to create new accounts with full rights could facilitate persistent unauthorized access and lateral movement within networks. Although exploitation requires local access, insider threats or attackers leveraging other vulnerabilities to gain initial access could escalate privileges using this flaw. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as attackers may develop exploits targeting unpatched systems. Organizations relying on legacy systems or slow patch management processes are at higher risk. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value assets, potentially impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems.

European organizations should prioritize patching all Windows 10 Version 1803 systems with the security update provided by Microsoft that addresses CVE-2019-1065. Given the local attack vector, organizations should also enforce strict access controls to limit user privileges and reduce the number of users with local logon rights. Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized or suspicious applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Continuous monitoring for unusual local privilege escalation attempts and audit logs for new account creations or privilege changes can help detect exploitation attempts early. Additionally, organizations should consider upgrading to more recent Windows 10 versions that receive ongoing security updates, as Version 1803 is an older release with limited support. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can provide behavioral detection capabilities to identify exploitation attempts. Finally, user education about the risks of running untrusted applications can reduce the likelihood of exploitation.