CVE-2025-49760 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0) related to CWE-73, which concerns external control of file name or path. Specifically, this vulnerability exists within the Windows Storage component, where an authorized attacker can manipulate file names or paths externally. This manipulation enables the attacker to perform spoofing attacks over a network. Spoofing in this context likely involves deceiving users or systems by presenting falsified file paths or names, potentially leading to misdirected file operations or trust in malicious files. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have some level of authorization (privileges) on the system and user interaction to exploit, as indicated by the CVSS vector (PR:L, UI:R). The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), meaning exploitation can occur remotely over a network. The vulnerability does not impact system integrity or availability but has a limited impact on confidentiality, as indicated by the CVSS score of 3.5 (low severity). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was published on July 8, 2025, with the reservation date on June 9, 2025. The issue arises from improper handling of external input controlling file paths, which can be leveraged to spoof file-related operations, potentially misleading users or automated processes in networked environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a low but non-negligible risk, especially in environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 is still in use, such as legacy systems or specialized industrial setups. The spoofing capability could be exploited to trick users or systems into interacting with malicious files or resources, potentially leading to phishing, social engineering, or indirect compromise of sensitive information. While the direct confidentiality impact is limited, the spoofing could facilitate further attacks by undermining trust in file sources or network communications. Organizations with networked Windows 10 1809 endpoints, particularly those in sectors with high regulatory requirements (finance, healthcare, government), may face increased risk if attackers use this vulnerability as a foothold or part of a multi-stage attack. However, the requirement for user interaction and existing privileges reduces the likelihood of widespread exploitation. The absence of known exploits in the wild further limits immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation attempts.

Given the lack of an official patch at this time, European organizations should prioritize the following mitigations: 1) Identify and inventory all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 to assess exposure. 2) Limit user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the pool of authorized attackers. 3) Educate users about the risks of interacting with unexpected or suspicious file paths and names, emphasizing caution with network-shared resources. 4) Employ network segmentation and strict access controls to reduce the attack surface and limit network-based exploitation opportunities. 5) Monitor network traffic and system logs for unusual file access patterns or spoofing indicators. 6) Plan and prioritize upgrading or patching affected systems once Microsoft releases an official fix. 7) Use endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous file operations or spoofing attempts. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on privilege management, user awareness, and network controls tailored to the nature of this vulnerability.