CVE-2025-27467 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, specifically in the Windows Digital Media component. This vulnerability arises when the system improperly manages memory, allowing an authorized local attacker to exploit a dangling pointer or freed memory reference. By triggering this flaw, the attacker can execute arbitrary code in kernel mode or escalate their privileges beyond their current authorization level. The vulnerability requires local access with at least limited privileges (PR:L) and does not require user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have access to the affected system. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, all rated high, indicating that successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting the significant risk posed by this flaw. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, suggesting that mitigation efforts should be prioritized. The vulnerability was reserved in late February 2025 and published in early April 2025, indicating recent discovery. The Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0) is an older release, but still in use in some environments, especially where legacy systems persist. The lack of user interaction and the ability to elevate privileges locally make this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users have limited privileges but can execute code locally, such as shared workstations or multi-user systems. Attackers exploiting this flaw could gain SYSTEM-level access, enabling them to install persistent malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt system operations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-27467 could be substantial, particularly in sectors relying on legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and government agencies where long-term support versions are common. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive information, and deploy ransomware or other malicious payloads. This could result in data breaches, operational disruptions, and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR, leading to financial penalties and reputational damage. The vulnerability's local attack vector means insider threats or compromised user accounts could be leveraged to escalate privileges, increasing the risk in environments with less stringent endpoint security or where users have local access but limited privileges. Additionally, the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that critical infrastructure and services could be severely affected if exploited. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the public disclosure and high CVSS score may prompt threat actors to develop exploits, increasing the urgency for European organizations to assess and mitigate this risk promptly.

Given the absence of an official patch link, European organizations should take immediate proactive steps to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-27467. First, they should inventory and identify all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0) and prioritize them for remediation. Until a patch is available, organizations should enforce strict local access controls, limiting user privileges to the minimum necessary and employing application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can help detect anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Network segmentation should be enhanced to isolate legacy systems from critical infrastructure and sensitive data stores. Organizations should also implement strict monitoring of privileged account activities and audit logs to detect potential privilege escalation attempts. If possible, upgrading affected systems to a more recent, supported Windows version with active security updates is strongly recommended to eliminate exposure. Additionally, organizations should stay informed through vendor advisories and threat intelligence feeds for any released patches or exploit reports and be prepared to deploy updates promptly once available.