CVE-2025-24046 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) found in the Microsoft Streaming Service component of Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges by exploiting improper memory management where a program continues to use memory after it has been freed. Specifically, the flaw resides in the Streaming Service, a Windows component responsible for handling media streaming tasks. By triggering this vulnerability, an attacker with limited privileges can execute arbitrary code in a higher-privileged context, potentially gaining SYSTEM-level access. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no user interaction required. The vulnerability requires local access and some privileges (PR:L), but no user interaction (UI:N). There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in January 2025 and published in March 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. Given the nature of use-after-free bugs, exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, system compromise, and persistence, making it a critical concern for affected systems still running this older Windows 10 version.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24046 can be significant, especially in environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 remains in use, such as legacy systems, industrial control systems, or specialized enterprise setups. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges locally, bypassing security controls and gaining full system control. This could lead to data breaches, disruption of services, deployment of ransomware or other malware, and lateral movement within networks. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems could be compromised, affecting business operations and regulatory compliance, including GDPR mandates on data protection. The lack of required user interaction and relatively low attack complexity increases the risk of exploitation by insider threats or malware that gains initial foothold with limited privileges. Organizations relying on this Windows version must consider the threat serious, particularly those in sectors with sensitive data or critical infrastructure.

Given the absence of an official patch link, immediate mitigation should focus on reducing the attack surface and limiting local privilege escalation opportunities. Specific recommendations include: 1) Identify and inventory all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 and prioritize them for upgrade to a supported, patched Windows version. 2) Restrict local user privileges to the minimum necessary, employing the principle of least privilege to reduce the pool of users who can exploit this vulnerability. 3) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious activities indicative of exploitation attempts. 4) Harden the Streaming Service component by disabling or restricting it if feasible within the operational context. 5) Monitor system logs and security telemetry for unusual behavior related to memory corruption or privilege escalation attempts. 6) Prepare incident response plans to quickly contain and remediate any exploitation. 7) Stay alert for official patches or advisories from Microsoft and apply them promptly once available.