CVE-2025-24051 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The flaw arises from improper handling of network packets by RRAS, which can lead to memory corruption on the heap. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without authentication by sending specially crafted network traffic to the RRAS service. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution with system-level privileges, enabling full control over the affected machine. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow), indicating that the overflow occurs in dynamically allocated memory, which can be exploited to overwrite critical data structures or function pointers. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's characteristics make it a prime candidate for future exploitation, especially in environments where RRAS is enabled and exposed to untrusted networks. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for mitigation through configuration changes and network controls.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24051 is significant due to the potential for remote code execution without authentication, which can lead to full system compromise. Organizations relying on Windows 10 Version 1809 with RRAS enabled—commonly used for VPNs, routing, and remote access—face risks including data breaches, disruption of network services, and lateral movement by attackers within corporate networks. Critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, transportation, and government agencies are particularly vulnerable, as compromise could affect national security and public safety. The high severity score indicates that confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems can be severely impacted. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction (e.g., responding to network requests) means that attackers may need to trick users or exploit network configurations to trigger the vulnerability. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the potential for rapid weaponization necessitates immediate attention. Failure to mitigate could result in ransomware deployment, espionage, or sabotage, especially in environments with exposed RRAS services.

1. Immediately audit and inventory all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 to identify those with RRAS enabled. 2. Where possible, disable RRAS services on systems that do not require routing or remote access functionality. 3. Restrict network exposure of RRAS by implementing strict firewall rules to limit access only to trusted IP addresses and networks. 4. Employ network segmentation to isolate RRAS-enabled systems from critical assets and sensitive data. 5. Monitor network traffic for anomalous or malformed packets targeting RRAS ports and protocols, using intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS). 6. Educate users and administrators about the risk of interacting with unsolicited network requests related to RRAS. 7. Apply Microsoft security updates and patches promptly once they become available for this vulnerability. 8. Consider upgrading affected systems to a supported and patched version of Windows, as Windows 10 Version 1809 is an older release with limited support. 9. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect exploitation attempts and unusual process behavior related to RRAS. 10. Regularly review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving remote code execution vulnerabilities in network services.