CVE-2025-29824 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) found in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver on Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges on the affected system. The issue arises when the CLFS driver improperly handles memory, leading to a use-after-free condition. This flaw can be exploited by a local attacker with limited privileges (PR:L) to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining SYSTEM-level access. The vulnerability does not require user interaction (UI:N) and has a low attack complexity (AC:L), but it does require local access to the machine (AV:L). The scope of the vulnerability is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the presence of a functional exploit is plausible given the nature of use-after-free vulnerabilities. The vulnerability was reserved on March 11, 2025, and published on April 8, 2025. No official patches or mitigation links are provided yet, indicating that organizations running Windows 10 Version 1809 should prioritize monitoring and prepare for imminent patch deployment. The vulnerability is particularly critical because Windows 10 Version 1809 is an older release, and many organizations may still have legacy systems running this version, increasing exposure risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially in environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 is still in use, such as legacy industrial control systems, government agencies, or enterprises with slow upgrade cycles. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges locally, bypassing security controls and gaining full control over affected systems. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and potential lateral movement within networks. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, attackers could deploy ransomware, steal intellectual property, or sabotage operations. The lack of user interaction requirement increases the risk of automated or stealthy attacks once local access is obtained. European organizations in sectors like finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and public administration, which often rely on legacy Windows systems, are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks by threat actors aiming to compromise high-value targets within Europe.

1. Immediate inventory and identification of all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 to assess exposure. 2. Prioritize upgrading or migrating affected systems to a supported and patched Windows version, as Windows 10 Version 1809 is nearing or past end-of-support status. 3. Implement strict local access controls and monitoring to prevent unauthorized local logins, including the use of multi-factor authentication and least privilege principles. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 5. Apply any available interim mitigations recommended by Microsoft or security advisories, such as disabling or restricting access to the CLFS driver if feasible without impacting business operations. 6. Enhance network segmentation to limit lateral movement from compromised endpoints. 7. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential exploitation. 8. Monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploit code or proof-of-concept releases related to CVE-2025-29824 to respond promptly.