CVE-2025-49693 is a high-severity vulnerability identified as a double free issue (CWE-415) within the Microsoft Brokering File System component of Windows 11 version 22H2 (build 10.0.22621.0). A double free vulnerability occurs when a program attempts to free the same memory location twice, which can lead to memory corruption, crashes, or arbitrary code execution. In this case, the flaw allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability requires local access with some level of privileges (PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have access to the system to exploit the flaw. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, all rated high, indicating that successful exploitation could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. The CVSS score is 7.8, reflecting the significant risk posed by this vulnerability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, suggesting that mitigation is pending or in development. The Brokering File System is a core component related to file system operations and inter-process communication, making this vulnerability critical for system security. Given the nature of the vulnerability, exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls and execute code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or disruption of system operations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially in environments where Windows 11 version 22H2 is deployed widely, including enterprise desktops and workstations. Successful exploitation could allow malicious insiders or attackers who gain local access (e.g., through compromised credentials or physical access) to escalate privileges, bypassing security restrictions and gaining administrative control. This could lead to data breaches, disruption of critical business processes, and lateral movement within corporate networks. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly at risk due to the sensitivity of their data and the potential impact of system compromise. The lack of required user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation once local access is obtained. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks or combined with other exploits to achieve remote code execution or persistent footholds. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity demands immediate attention to prevent future exploitation.

1. Immediate deployment of security updates and patches from Microsoft once available is critical. Organizations should monitor official Microsoft security advisories closely. 2. Implement strict access controls and limit local administrative privileges to reduce the risk of attackers obtaining the necessary local access to exploit this vulnerability. 3. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for unusual local privilege escalation attempts or memory corruption indicators. 4. Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all local and remote access to reduce the risk of credential compromise leading to local access. 5. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments focusing on Windows 11 systems to identify and remediate potential exploitation vectors. 6. Use application whitelisting and least privilege principles to restrict execution of unauthorized code that could leverage this vulnerability. 7. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of reporting suspicious system behavior promptly. 8. Consider network segmentation to limit lateral movement opportunities if a system is compromised. These measures, combined with timely patching, will significantly reduce the risk posed by CVE-2025-49693.