CVE-2025-47976 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability identified in the Windows SSDP (Simple Service Discovery Protocol) Service on Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416, which involves use-after-free errors where a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation. In this case, the flaw allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges by exploiting the SSDP service. The vulnerability requires local access with some privileges (low privilege user) but does not require user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and limited privileges required. The vulnerability has not yet been observed exploited in the wild. The SSDP service is responsible for network device discovery and is typically enabled on Windows systems to facilitate UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) functionality. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. No patches or fixes have been linked yet, indicating that affected systems remain vulnerable until updates are released and applied. The vulnerability was reserved in May 2025 and published in July 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises and government agencies still running Windows 10 Version 1809, which is an older but still in-use OS version in some environments. Successful exploitation could allow attackers with local access to escalate privileges, bypassing security controls and gaining administrative rights. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and deployment of malware or ransomware. The impact is particularly severe in sectors with strict data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and public administration. Since the vulnerability affects a core Windows service, it could be leveraged to compromise endpoint security across corporate networks. The lack of known exploits in the wild provides a window for mitigation, but also means organizations should prioritize patching or upgrading to supported OS versions to reduce exposure. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited by insiders or attackers who have gained initial foothold via other means, amplifying the risk of lateral movement and persistent compromise within networks.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on upgrading affected systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a more recent, supported Windows version where this vulnerability is patched. 2. If upgrading is not immediately feasible, organizations should disable the SSDP service on affected systems if UPnP functionality is not required, reducing the attack surface. 3. Implement strict local access controls and limit user privileges to minimize the risk of local exploitation. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for unusual activity related to SSDP or privilege escalation attempts. 5. Conduct regular vulnerability scanning and asset inventory to identify systems running the vulnerable OS version. 6. Prepare for rapid deployment of patches once Microsoft releases an official fix by testing updates in controlled environments. 7. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of applying security updates promptly. 8. Consider network segmentation to limit the impact of compromised endpoints and restrict lateral movement opportunities.