CVE-2025-48804 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, specifically affecting the BitLocker encryption feature. The underlying issue is classified under CWE-349, which refers to the acceptance of extraneous untrusted data alongside trusted data. In this context, BitLocker improperly processes or accepts additional untrusted input data when it should only handle trusted data. This flaw can be exploited by an unauthorized attacker through a physical attack vector, meaning the attacker requires physical access to the affected device. By leveraging this vulnerability, the attacker can bypass BitLocker's security protections, potentially gaining unauthorized access to encrypted data or compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the system. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.8, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) highlights that the attack requires physical access (AV:P), has low attack complexity (AC:L), requires no privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N), and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a high degree (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because BitLocker is widely used to protect sensitive data on Windows devices, and a bypass could lead to significant data exposure or system compromise if an attacker gains physical access to the device.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-48804 can be significant, especially for those relying on BitLocker for endpoint encryption to protect sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, or personal data subject to GDPR regulations. A successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, violating data protection laws and potentially resulting in regulatory fines and reputational damage. The physical access requirement limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, particularly for organizations with mobile workforces, shared devices, or insufficient physical security controls. Industries such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, which often mandate strong encryption, could face heightened risks. Additionally, the compromise of device integrity and availability could disrupt business operations. The vulnerability could also undermine trust in device security, complicating compliance efforts and increasing operational costs due to incident response and remediation.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should: 1) Prioritize upgrading or patching affected Windows 10 Version 1809 systems as soon as Microsoft releases an official fix. 2) Enforce strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to devices, including secure storage, access logging, and surveillance in sensitive environments. 3) Implement multi-factor authentication and strong pre-boot authentication mechanisms for BitLocker to add layers of defense beyond encryption alone. 4) Regularly audit and inventory devices running Windows 10 Version 1809 to identify and isolate vulnerable endpoints. 5) Consider upgrading to newer Windows versions with improved security features and ongoing support. 6) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious physical tampering or unauthorized access attempts. 7) Educate employees on the importance of device security and reporting lost or stolen devices promptly. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on the physical attack vector and the specific affected product version.