CVE-2025-24983 is a use-after-free vulnerability categorized under CWE-416, found in the Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1507 (build 10.0.10240.0). The vulnerability arises when the kernel improperly manages memory, freeing an object while it is still in use, allowing an attacker to manipulate kernel memory after it has been freed. This can lead to arbitrary code execution in kernel mode, enabling privilege escalation from a low-privileged user to SYSTEM or kernel-level privileges. The attack vector requires local access with limited privileges (AV:L, PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and has a high attack complexity (AC:H), indicating that exploitation requires specific conditions or knowledge. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), as an attacker gaining kernel privileges can fully control the system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.0 (high), reflecting these factors. No public exploits are known yet, but the vulnerability is fully disclosed and published as of March 11, 2025. The affected product is an early Windows 10 release, which is largely out of mainstream support, increasing the risk for legacy systems that have not been upgraded. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure means organizations must rely on workarounds or upgrade paths to mitigate risk. This vulnerability is critical for environments where local user accounts are not tightly controlled, such as shared workstations or multi-user systems.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-24983 is local privilege escalation, allowing an attacker with limited user privileges to gain SYSTEM or kernel-level access. This can lead to full system compromise, including the ability to install persistent malware, disable security controls, access sensitive data, and disrupt system availability. Organizations running Windows 10 Version 1507, particularly in environments with multiple local users or where endpoint security is weak, face significant risk. The vulnerability undermines the security boundary between user and kernel modes, potentially enabling attackers to bypass sandboxing, antivirus protections, and other security mechanisms. This can facilitate lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, and long-term persistence. Critical infrastructure, government agencies, and enterprises relying on legacy Windows 10 systems are especially vulnerable. Although exploitation requires local access and some complexity, the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability makes this a serious threat to organizational security.

1. Upgrade affected systems to a supported and fully patched version of Windows 10 or later, as Windows 10 Version 1507 is outdated and no longer supported. 2. Restrict local user access to trusted personnel only, minimizing the number of accounts with local login privileges. 3. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous kernel-level activity or privilege escalation attempts. 4. Use security features such as Credential Guard and Device Guard where available to limit the impact of privilege escalation. 5. Monitor system logs and security events for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected kernel memory access or process privilege changes. 6. Employ network segmentation and least privilege principles to reduce the potential for lateral movement if a local compromise occurs. 7. Once Microsoft releases official patches, prioritize their deployment in all affected environments. 8. Consider disabling or limiting features that require kernel-mode drivers or components that interact with the vulnerable subsystem if feasible. 9. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and remediate privilege escalation vectors proactively.