CVE-2025-50153 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416, affecting the Desktop Windows Manager (DWM) component in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. In this case, an authorized local attacker can exploit this flaw to elevate their privileges on the system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, making it easier to exploit once local access is obtained. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high). The attack vector is local (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component. The exploitability is rated as official (E:U), and remediation level is official (RL:O) with confirmed report confidence (RC:C). No public exploits are currently known, but the vulnerability's nature suggests it could be weaponized to gain elevated privileges and potentially execute arbitrary code or disrupt system operations. The affected product is Windows 10 Version 1809, an older but still deployed OS version in some environments. The lack of patch links indicates that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for vigilance and interim mitigations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those still running Windows 10 Version 1809 in production environments. Successful exploitation allows local attackers to escalate privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and the ability to install persistent malware or ransomware. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to the high value of their data and services. The vulnerability's local attack vector means that attackers need some form of initial access, which could be gained through phishing, insider threats, or other means. Once local access is achieved, this flaw can be leveraged to bypass security controls and gain administrative rights, undermining endpoint security. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits rapidly once details are public. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, making this a critical concern for maintaining operational security and compliance with European data protection regulations.

Organizations should prioritize upgrading from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a more recent, supported version of Windows 10 or Windows 11, as this will inherently mitigate the vulnerability. Until patches are available, restrict local access to systems running the affected OS version by enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for unauthorized login attempts. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect suspicious privilege escalation activities. Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution. Regularly audit and minimize the number of users with local privileges to reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if an attacker gains local access. Maintain up-to-date backups to recover from potential compromise. Stay informed about patch releases from Microsoft and apply them promptly once available. Conduct user training to reduce the risk of initial access vectors such as phishing. Finally, consider deploying host-based intrusion prevention systems (HIPS) that can detect use-after-free exploitation attempts.