CVE-2025-24050 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, specifically within the Windows Hyper-V role. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-122, which pertains to improper memory management leading to buffer overflows on the heap. The flaw allows an authorized local attacker—meaning the attacker must have some level of access to the system—to execute a privilege escalation attack. By exploiting this vulnerability, the attacker can gain higher privileges than originally granted, potentially achieving SYSTEM-level access. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), and requires privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0), which is an older but still in-use version of Windows 10. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in January 2025 and published in March 2025. Given that Hyper-V is a virtualization technology used in enterprise environments, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to systems running this specific Windows version with Hyper-V enabled, especially in environments where local user accounts have limited privileges but could be leveraged by attackers to escalate privileges.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24050 can be substantial, particularly for enterprises and service providers relying on Windows 10 Version 1809 with Hyper-V enabled for virtualization workloads. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges locally, potentially leading to full system compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, and lateral movement within networks. This is especially critical in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, where confidentiality and integrity of data are paramount. The high impact on availability also raises concerns about potential service outages or system instability. Since the vulnerability requires local access, insider threats or attackers who have already gained limited footholds could leverage this flaw to deepen their access. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the high severity score and potential impact necessitate proactive mitigation. European organizations running legacy Windows 10 versions may be at higher risk if they have not upgraded or applied mitigations. Additionally, organizations using Hyper-V for cloud or hybrid environments could face increased exposure if attackers exploit this vulnerability to compromise virtualized workloads or host systems.

1. Upgrade and Patch: Although no official patch links are provided yet, organizations should monitor Microsoft’s security advisories closely and apply patches as soon as they become available. 2. Version Upgrade: Consider upgrading from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a more recent, supported Windows version where this vulnerability is not present. 3. Restrict Local Access: Limit the number of users with local access to systems running Hyper-V, enforce least privilege principles, and monitor for unusual local account activity. 4. Harden Hyper-V Configurations: Disable Hyper-V on systems where it is not required, and apply security best practices for Hyper-V hosts and virtual machines. 5. Use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Deploy EDR solutions capable of detecting suspicious privilege escalation attempts and heap-based memory corruption behaviors. 6. Network Segmentation: Isolate critical systems and Hyper-V hosts to reduce the risk of lateral movement following local compromise. 7. Audit and Monitor: Implement continuous monitoring and auditing of privilege escalations and system events related to Hyper-V and local user activities. 8. Incident Response Preparedness: Prepare incident response plans for potential exploitation scenarios involving privilege escalation on Windows hosts.