CVE-2025-24064 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) affecting the DNS Server component of Microsoft Windows Server 2019, specifically version 10.0.17763.0. This vulnerability arises when the DNS Server improperly manages memory, freeing an object while it is still in use, which can lead to execution of arbitrary code by an attacker. The flaw allows an unauthorized attacker to remotely execute code over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.1, reflecting the critical impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), with network attack vector, high attack complexity, and no privileges or user interaction needed. Exploitation could allow an attacker to take full control of the affected server, potentially leading to data breaches, disruption of DNS services, or use of the compromised server as a foothold for further attacks within an enterprise network. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and could be targeted by threat actors once exploit code becomes available. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations and monitor for suspicious activity related to DNS Server processes on Windows Server 2019 systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24064 is significant due to the widespread use of Windows Server 2019 in enterprise environments for critical infrastructure, including DNS services that are essential for network operations. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote code execution, enabling attackers to disrupt business operations, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy ransomware and other malware. Given the DNS Server's central role in network name resolution, compromise could also facilitate man-in-the-middle attacks or DNS poisoning, impacting the integrity and availability of services. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and telecommunications are particularly at risk due to the critical nature of their services and the regulatory requirements for data protection under GDPR. The vulnerability's network-based attack vector and lack of authentication requirements make it a potent threat for large-scale exploitation campaigns targeting European enterprises.

1. Immediate deployment of any available security updates or patches from Microsoft once released is critical. 2. Until patches are available, restrict network access to DNS Server services on Windows Server 2019 systems by implementing strict firewall rules limiting DNS queries to trusted sources only. 3. Employ network segmentation to isolate DNS servers from general user networks and untrusted zones. 4. Monitor DNS Server logs and network traffic for anomalous patterns indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected queries or unusual process behavior. 5. Utilize intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with updated signatures to detect exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. 6. Conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing focused on DNS infrastructure to identify potential weaknesses. 7. Harden Windows Server 2019 configurations by disabling unnecessary services and applying the principle of least privilege to DNS Server processes. 8. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential exploitation scenarios involving DNS Server compromise.