CVE-2025-50174 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416, affecting the Windows Device Association Broker service in Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0). The vulnerability stems from improper memory management where the service attempts to use memory after it has been freed, leading to potential memory corruption. An authorized local attacker with low privileges can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code in the context of the vulnerable service, effectively elevating their privileges to SYSTEM level. The attack does not require user interaction but does require local access and has a high attack complexity, indicating some conditions must be met for successful exploitation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.0, reflecting high severity with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be considered a significant risk. The Device Association Broker service is responsible for managing device associations and connectivity, making it a critical component in Windows 11's device management framework. Exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls and gain persistent elevated access, potentially leading to full system compromise.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread adoption of Windows 11 in enterprise environments. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, enabling attackers to install malware, access sensitive data, disrupt operations, or move laterally within networks. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and industrial control systems could face severe consequences including data breaches, operational downtime, and regulatory non-compliance. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but insider threats or attackers leveraging initial footholds could exploit this vulnerability to deepen their control. The lack of current public exploits reduces immediate risk but also means organizations must proactively prepare. The vulnerability's impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, potentially allowing full system compromise and persistent control over affected devices.

Organizations should prioritize deploying official patches from Microsoft as soon as they become available. Until patches are released, implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and restrict physical and remote access to sensitive systems. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for unusual process behavior or privilege escalation attempts related to the Device Association Broker service. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to minimize the number of users with local access rights. Consider application whitelisting and behavior-based anomaly detection to catch exploitation attempts. Additionally, educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and enforce strong security policies around device usage and access. Network segmentation can also help contain potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to privilege escalation incidents.