CVE-2025-48808 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0) that involves the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which refers to the exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized entities. The flaw resides within the Windows Kernel, a critical component responsible for core system functions and security enforcement. An attacker with authorized local access and low privileges (PR:L) can exploit this vulnerability to disclose sensitive information without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have some form of access to the affected system, but no elevated privileges are necessary beyond low-level authorization. The vulnerability does not impact system integrity or availability but has a high impact on confidentiality (C:H, I:N, A:N). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to gather sensitive kernel memory or other protected data, which could be leveraged for further attacks or privilege escalation. Given the kernel-level nature of the flaw, the information disclosed could be critical, including cryptographic keys, passwords, or system internals. However, exploitation requires local access and does not allow remote compromise directly. This vulnerability primarily affects systems that have not been updated beyond Windows 10 Version 1809, which is an older release of Windows 10, and may still be in use in some enterprise environments.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-48808 can be significant, especially in sectors where sensitive data confidentiality is paramount, such as finance, healthcare, and government. Since the vulnerability allows local attackers to disclose sensitive kernel-level information, it could facilitate subsequent attacks like privilege escalation or lateral movement within a network. Organizations relying on legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems are at higher risk, particularly if endpoint security controls are weak or if insider threats exist. The exposure of sensitive information could lead to data breaches, loss of intellectual property, or compromise of cryptographic materials used for securing communications and data. Although the vulnerability does not directly allow remote exploitation, attackers who gain initial local access through phishing, physical access, or other means could leverage this flaw to deepen their foothold. This risk is heightened in environments with shared workstations, remote desktop access, or insufficient endpoint isolation. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat levels, but the medium severity rating and kernel-level impact warrant proactive mitigation to prevent future exploitation. Organizations in Europe must consider compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations, where unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information can lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage.

To mitigate CVE-2025-48808 effectively, European organizations should: 1) Prioritize upgrading or patching Windows 10 Version 1809 systems as soon as official patches or updates become available from Microsoft. If patches are not yet released, consider upgrading to a supported and more recent Windows 10 or Windows 11 version where this vulnerability is not present. 2) Implement strict local access controls and endpoint security measures to limit the number of users with local access to vulnerable systems. This includes enforcing least privilege principles and using strong authentication mechanisms. 3) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for suspicious local activity that could indicate attempts to exploit kernel vulnerabilities. 4) Harden systems by disabling unnecessary local accounts and services that could be leveraged to gain local access. 5) Conduct regular audits and monitoring of privileged account usage and local login events to detect potential insider threats or unauthorized access attempts. 6) Educate users about the risks of local access exploits and ensure physical security controls are in place to prevent unauthorized physical access to devices. 7) Use virtualization-based security features and kernel protection mechanisms available in newer Windows versions to reduce the attack surface. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling local access vectors, accelerating patch management for legacy systems, and enhancing monitoring for kernel-level exploit attempts.