CVE-2025-24060 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 operating system, specifically within the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) Core Library. The underlying issue is improper input validation (classified under CWE-20), which allows an authorized local attacker to elevate their privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability arises because the DWM Core Library does not correctly validate inputs, potentially enabling an attacker with limited privileges to execute code or perform actions with higher system privileges. This flaw does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have some level of local access (local privileges). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no user interaction needed. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's presence in a core Windows component and the potential for privilege escalation make it a significant risk, especially in environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 remains in use. The lack of available patches at the time of publication further increases the urgency for mitigation and risk management.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, particularly in sectors relying on legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems, such as manufacturing, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges locally, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, disruption of services, or lateral movement within networks. This could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems and data. Given the high severity and the potential for privilege escalation without user interaction, attackers who gain initial footholds through other means (e.g., phishing, physical access) could leverage this vulnerability to deepen their control over affected systems. The impact is exacerbated in environments with insufficient endpoint security, lack of timely patch management, or where legacy systems are still operational due to compatibility constraints.

1. Immediate inventory and identification of all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 within the organization to understand exposure. 2. Apply any available security updates or patches from Microsoft as soon as they are released; monitor Microsoft security advisories closely. 3. Implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges, ensuring users operate with the least privilege necessary to reduce the risk of privilege escalation. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and prevent suspicious activities indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Restrict physical and remote access to systems running the affected OS version to trusted personnel only. 6. Consider upgrading or migrating systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a supported and patched Windows version to eliminate exposure. 7. Conduct regular security awareness training emphasizing the risks of local access compromise and privilege escalation. 8. Monitor system logs and security event data for unusual privilege escalation attempts or anomalies related to the DWM Core Library or related processes.