CVE-2025-24992 is a buffer over-read vulnerability classified under CWE-126, discovered in the NTFS file system driver of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1507 (build 10.0.10240.0). This vulnerability arises when the NTFS driver improperly handles certain file system operations, causing it to read beyond the intended buffer boundaries. Such over-reads can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information residing in adjacent memory areas. The flaw can be exploited by an unauthorized attacker with local access to the affected system, requiring user interaction but no elevated privileges or authentication. The vulnerability does not allow modification of data or disruption of system availability but compromises confidentiality by leaking potentially sensitive data. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting the local attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, and user interaction needed. No public exploits or patches have been reported yet, but the vulnerability has been officially published and recognized by Microsoft and CISA. The affected version is an early release of Windows 10, which may still be in use in some environments, particularly legacy or embedded systems. The vulnerability highlights the risks of running outdated operating system versions without current security updates.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-24992 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information on systems running Windows 10 Version 1507. This could include exposure of confidential business data, personal information, or security-related details stored in memory. Although the vulnerability does not allow attackers to alter data or disrupt services, information leakage can facilitate further attacks or compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR. Organizations in sectors like finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that still operate legacy Windows 10 systems are particularly vulnerable. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but increases risk from insider threats or compromised endpoints. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for remediation. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and increased attack surface for targeted espionage or data theft campaigns.

1. Upgrade or patch affected systems: Since no patches are currently linked, organizations should prioritize upgrading from Windows 10 Version 1507 to a supported, fully patched Windows 10 or 11 version to eliminate the vulnerability. 2. Restrict local access: Limit physical and remote desktop access to systems running legacy Windows 10 versions to trusted personnel only. 3. Implement strict user interaction controls: Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted files or media on vulnerable systems. 4. Monitor and audit local activity: Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect suspicious local file system access or anomalous user behavior. 5. Disable or isolate legacy systems: Where upgrading is not immediately feasible, isolate affected systems from sensitive networks and data stores to reduce exposure. 6. Enforce least privilege: Ensure users operate with minimal privileges to reduce the impact of local exploitation. 7. Maintain asset inventory: Identify all devices running Windows 10 Version 1507 to ensure comprehensive mitigation coverage. 8. Prepare incident response: Develop procedures to quickly respond to any detected exploitation attempts or data leakage incidents related to this vulnerability.