CVE-2025-48805 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Extension component of Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability, classified under CWE-122, allows an authorized attacker with local privileges to execute arbitrary code on the affected system without requiring user interaction. The flaw arises from improper handling of memory buffers in the MPEG-2 Video Extension, which processes video data streams. When exploited, the attacker can overwrite heap memory, potentially leading to code execution with the privileges of the compromised process. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects the vulnerability's high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with the requirement for local access and low attack complexity. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet, indicating that mitigation may rely on workarounds or system hardening until a fix is released. Given that Windows 10 Version 1809 is an older release, systems still running this version are at risk if they have the MPEG-2 Video Extension enabled and accessible to authorized users.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily in environments where legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems remain operational, such as in industrial control systems, specialized workstations, or organizations with slow upgrade cycles. Successful exploitation could lead to local privilege escalation or unauthorized code execution, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt critical services. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability could affect sectors with stringent data protection requirements, including finance, healthcare, and government agencies. Additionally, since the vulnerability requires local access, insider threats or attackers who have already gained limited access could leverage this flaw to deepen their foothold. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often develop exploits rapidly after public disclosure. European organizations must consider the potential for targeted attacks exploiting this vulnerability, particularly in countries with high Windows 10 1809 deployment and critical infrastructure reliance on legacy systems.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on upgrading affected systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a supported and patched Windows version, as this will eliminate the vulnerable component. 2. If upgrading is not immediately feasible, organizations should disable or restrict access to the Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Extension where possible, preventing its use by unauthorized or non-essential users. 3. Implement strict local access controls and monitoring to detect unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts, including privilege escalation or anomalous process behavior related to video processing components. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to limit execution of unauthorized code and provide rapid incident response capabilities. 5. Regularly review and apply any Microsoft security advisories or patches once released for this CVE. 6. Conduct user training and awareness to reduce the risk of insider threats exploiting local vulnerabilities. 7. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to potential local privilege escalation scenarios.