CVE-2025-50152 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability classified under CWE-125 that exists in the Windows Kernel of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 17763.0). This vulnerability allows an attacker with local authorized access to read memory outside the intended bounds, which can be leveraged to escalate privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and has a low attack complexity, meaning an attacker with limited privileges can exploit it to gain higher privileges, potentially SYSTEM level. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in October 2025, with no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting means systems remain vulnerable until updates are released. The flaw resides in the kernel memory handling routines, where improper bounds checking leads to out-of-bounds reads, which can corrupt memory or leak sensitive information. Successful exploitation can allow attackers to bypass security controls, execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, or cause system instability or crashes.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant threat especially to those still operating Windows 10 Version 1809 in production environments, including industrial control systems, government agencies, and enterprises with legacy systems. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, enabling attackers to gain administrative control, access sensitive data, disrupt operations, or deploy further malware. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, potentially leading to data breaches, system downtime, and loss of trust. Critical infrastructure and sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration could face severe operational and reputational damage if exploited. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the risk remains elevated due to the ease of exploitation and the critical nature of the vulnerability.

1. Immediately inventory and identify all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 17763.0) within the organization. 2. Apply official Microsoft security patches as soon as they become available for this CVE. 3. Until patches are released, restrict local access to vulnerable systems to trusted personnel only and enforce strict access controls and monitoring. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts. 5. Use application whitelisting and least privilege principles to limit the ability of attackers to execute arbitrary code even if privilege escalation is attempted. 6. Regularly audit and monitor system logs for unusual kernel or privilege-related events. 7. Consider upgrading affected systems to a supported and patched Windows version to reduce exposure to legacy vulnerabilities. 8. Educate IT staff about this vulnerability and the importance of timely patching and access control enforcement.