CVE-2025-47993 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) affecting Microsoft Windows Server 2025, specifically the Server Core installation version 10.0.26100.0. The vulnerability arises from improper access control mechanisms in Microsoft PC Manager, a component or management tool within the Windows Server environment. An authorized attacker with local access and low privileges can exploit this flaw to elevate their privileges without requiring user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as the attacker can gain higher-level privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability does not require network access (AV:L - local attack vector), but only limited privileges (PR:L) and no user interaction (UI:N), making it a potent local privilege escalation vector. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in May 2025 and published in July 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. The Server Core installation is a minimalistic Windows Server deployment option commonly used in enterprise environments for reduced attack surface and resource usage. Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass security boundaries and execute privileged operations, undermining system security and potentially enabling lateral movement or persistence within affected networks.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises and service providers relying on Windows Server 2025 Server Core installations for critical infrastructure, data centers, and cloud services. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, enabling attackers to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or disrupt services. This could result in data breaches, operational downtime, and compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR. The local attack vector implies that attackers need some form of initial access, which could be gained through phishing, compromised credentials, or insider threats. Once local access is obtained, the attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and expand their control. Given the widespread adoption of Microsoft Windows Server products across European industries including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government, the potential impact is broad. Additionally, the Server Core installation is favored in environments prioritizing security and performance, meaning that organizations relying on this configuration might be disproportionately affected if they do not apply mitigations promptly.

Organizations should prioritize the following mitigation steps: 1) Monitor for and apply official patches or security updates from Microsoft as soon as they become available, as no patch links are currently provided but are expected given the vulnerability's severity. 2) Restrict local access to Windows Server 2025 systems, enforcing strict access controls and limiting administrative privileges to trusted personnel only. 3) Employ robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect unusual privilege escalation attempts or suspicious local activity. 4) Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrative accounts to reduce the risk of credential compromise leading to local access. 5) Regularly audit and review user privileges and system logs to identify potential misuse or exploitation attempts. 6) Consider deploying application whitelisting and enhanced security configurations on Server Core installations to minimize attack surface. 7) Educate system administrators and users about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of maintaining secure operational practices. These measures, combined with timely patching, will reduce the risk posed by this vulnerability.