CVE-2025-24048 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Windows Hyper-V role on Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory buffers in the Hyper-V virtualization component, which can be exploited by an attacker with authorized local access to execute a privilege escalation attack. Specifically, the attacker can trigger the overflow to overwrite adjacent memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require that the attacker already have some level of local privileges (PR:L). The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects high severity, with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high). The attack vector is local, and the attack complexity is low, meaning an attacker with local access and limited privileges can exploit this flaw to gain higher privileges, potentially full system control. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and unpatched, increasing the risk of future exploitation. The flaw is categorized under CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow), a common and dangerous vulnerability type that can lead to system compromise. Hyper-V is widely used in enterprise environments for virtualization, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on Windows 10 1809 in virtualized infrastructures.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially to those running legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems with Hyper-V enabled. The ability for an attacker with local access to escalate privileges can lead to full system compromise, data breaches, and disruption of critical services. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on virtualization for workload isolation and management are particularly vulnerable. The compromise of Hyper-V hosts can lead to the exposure or manipulation of multiple virtual machines, amplifying the impact. Additionally, organizations that have not migrated to newer Windows versions or have delayed patching are at higher risk. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits given the public disclosure. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in multi-stage attacks, where initial local access is gained through other means and then escalated via this flaw. Overall, the impact includes potential loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems and data.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize upgrading affected systems to a supported and patched version of Windows 10 or later. Since no patch links are currently provided, organizations should monitor Microsoft security advisories closely for updates and apply them immediately upon release. In the interim, organizations should restrict local access to Hyper-V hosts, enforce strict access controls, and audit local user privileges to minimize the risk of unauthorized exploitation. Employing application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Virtualization hosts should be isolated from general user environments, and administrative privileges should be tightly controlled and monitored. Additionally, organizations should review and harden Hyper-V configurations, disable unnecessary features, and ensure that security baselines are applied. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on privilege escalation vectors can help identify and remediate exposure. Finally, educating IT staff about this vulnerability and ensuring incident response plans include scenarios involving Hyper-V compromise will improve readiness.