CVE-2025-24988 is a vulnerability classified as CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) found in the Windows USB Video Driver component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability arises when the driver improperly handles memory boundaries, allowing an attacker with authorized local access and physical presence to read memory outside the intended buffer. This out-of-bounds read can lead to elevation of privileges by enabling the attacker to access sensitive kernel memory or manipulate driver behavior. The attack vector requires physical access to the device and an attacker with at least low-level privileges (PR:L), but no user interaction is needed (UI:N). The CVSS 3.1 score is 6.6, reflecting medium severity, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The vulnerability does not currently have any known exploits in the wild, and no official patches have been released as of the publication date (March 11, 2025). The vulnerability's exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls, escalate privileges, and potentially execute arbitrary code at a higher privilege level. Since the flaw is in a USB video driver, devices that use USB webcams or video capture hardware are particularly relevant. The vulnerability is limited to Windows 10 Version 1809, an older and out-of-support version, which increases risk for organizations that have not upgraded their systems. The physical attack requirement limits remote exploitation but raises concerns in environments where devices are accessible to multiple users or attackers with physical access.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24988 is significant in environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 is still in use, especially in sectors with shared or publicly accessible devices such as education, healthcare, government offices, and manufacturing. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation, allowing attackers to gain administrative control, access sensitive data, or disrupt system availability. This could compromise confidentiality of personal or proprietary information, integrity of system operations, and availability of critical services. The physical access requirement reduces the risk of widespread remote attacks but increases insider threat and physical security concerns. Organizations with legacy systems that have not been updated or replaced are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, the lack of patches means that mitigation relies heavily on compensating controls. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as part of a multi-stage attack chain, where local privilege escalation is a stepping stone to further compromise. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, the threat poses a moderate to high risk to European organizations depending on their environment and physical security posture.

1. Upgrade all Windows 10 Version 1809 systems to a supported and patched version of Windows 10 or later to eliminate exposure to this vulnerability. 2. Restrict physical access to devices, especially those with USB video hardware, by enforcing strict access controls in sensitive environments. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious local privilege escalation attempts or anomalous driver behavior. 4. Disable or restrict usage of USB video devices where not necessary, or use device control policies to limit driver installation and usage. 5. Enforce strong user privilege management to minimize the number of users with local privileges that could exploit this vulnerability. 6. Conduct regular audits of physical security and device inventory to identify and secure vulnerable systems. 7. Prepare incident response plans that include scenarios involving local privilege escalation and physical attacks. 8. Monitor official Microsoft channels for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available.