CVE-2025-24076 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows 11 version 22H2 (build 10.0.22621.0). The flaw resides in the Windows Cross Device Service, where improper access control (CWE-284) allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges. Specifically, the vulnerability enables an attacker who already has some level of local access and privileges (PR:L) to escalate their permissions to a higher level, potentially SYSTEM or administrative privileges. The attack vector requires local access (AV:L) and user interaction (UI:R), indicating that the attacker must be able to execute code or commands on the affected machine and interact with the system to trigger the exploit. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), meaning an attacker could gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system configurations or files, and disrupt system operations. The scope is unchanged (S:U), so the impact is limited to the vulnerable system itself without affecting other systems in a network. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and rated with a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.3, indicating a high risk. The lack of a patch link suggests that remediation may require applying forthcoming Microsoft updates or workarounds once available. Given the nature of the Cross Device Service, which facilitates communication and synchronization between devices, exploitation could undermine trust boundaries within Windows 11 environments, especially in enterprise or multi-device scenarios.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, particularly for enterprises relying on Windows 11 22H2 in their desktop and laptop fleets. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges locally, bypassing security controls and gaining administrative access. This could lead to unauthorized data access, installation of persistent malware, disruption of business operations, and lateral movement within corporate networks. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and government, could face regulatory and reputational damage if sensitive information is compromised. Additionally, the requirement for local access and user interaction means that insider threats or attackers leveraging social engineering or phishing to gain initial footholds could exploit this vulnerability to deepen their control. The vulnerability also threatens endpoint security, potentially undermining defenses such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools that rely on privilege boundaries. Given the widespread adoption of Windows 11 in European enterprises, the impact could be broad if not mitigated promptly.

To mitigate CVE-2025-24076 effectively, European organizations should: 1) Prioritize patch management by monitoring Microsoft security advisories for the release of an official patch addressing this vulnerability and apply it immediately upon availability. 2) Restrict local administrative privileges to the minimum necessary users to reduce the pool of potential attackers capable of exploiting the flaw. 3) Implement strict endpoint security controls, including application whitelisting and behavior-based detection, to identify and block suspicious activities related to privilege escalation attempts. 4) Enhance user awareness training focused on preventing social engineering and phishing attacks that could provide initial access or user interaction needed for exploitation. 5) Employ network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the impact of compromised endpoints. 6) Monitor logs and system events for unusual privilege escalation attempts or Cross Device Service anomalies. 7) Temporarily disable or restrict the Windows Cross Device Service via Group Policy or registry settings if feasible and if it does not disrupt critical business functions, as a stopgap measure until patches are deployed.