CVE-2025-29824 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in the Windows Common Log File System Driver on Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability arises when the driver improperly manages memory, freeing an object while it is still in use, which can lead to arbitrary code execution or corruption of system memory. An authorized attacker with local access can exploit this flaw to elevate privileges from a low-privileged account to SYSTEM level, gaining full control over the affected system. The attack vector requires local access but no user interaction, and the attack complexity is low, meaning it can be reliably exploited once local access is obtained. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, execute arbitrary code, and potentially disrupt system operations. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and rated with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, indicating high severity. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure means affected systems remain vulnerable until updates are released and applied. This vulnerability primarily affects legacy Windows 10 installations, which are still in use in various enterprise environments due to compatibility or operational constraints. The Common Log File System Driver is a core component responsible for managing transaction logs, making this vulnerability critical as it can undermine system stability and security.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-29824 is significant, particularly for those still operating Windows 10 Version 1809 in production environments. Successful exploitation enables attackers to escalate privileges locally, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and the deployment of further malware or ransomware. Sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, which often maintain legacy systems for compatibility reasons, are at heightened risk. The vulnerability's ability to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability simultaneously makes it a potent threat for data breaches and operational outages. Additionally, the ease of exploitation without user interaction increases the likelihood of internal threat actors or malware leveraging this flaw to propagate within networks. Given the absence of known public exploits currently, the risk is mitigated somewhat but will increase once exploit code becomes available. European organizations with strict regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR) must consider the compliance implications of potential data breaches stemming from this vulnerability.

To mitigate CVE-2025-29824, European organizations should take immediate steps beyond waiting for official patches: 1) Restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 by enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for unauthorized login attempts. 2) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 3) Where possible, upgrade affected systems to a supported and patched version of Windows to eliminate exposure to this vulnerability. 4) Implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement opportunities if a local compromise occurs. 5) Conduct regular audits of user privileges and remove unnecessary local administrator rights to reduce the attack surface. 6) Monitor security advisories from Microsoft closely and apply patches promptly once released. 7) Educate IT staff about the risks of legacy systems and the importance of timely updates and system modernization. These measures collectively reduce the likelihood of exploitation and limit the potential damage if an attacker attempts to leverage this vulnerability.