CVE-2025-53151 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) found in the Windows Kernel of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges by exploiting improper memory management in the kernel. Specifically, a use-after-free condition occurs when the kernel references memory after it has been freed, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with kernel-level privileges. The attacker must have local access and some level of privileges (low privileges) to trigger the vulnerability, but no user interaction is required. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system files, and denial of service. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting a high severity with local attack vector, low attack complexity, and required privileges. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating the vulnerability is newly disclosed and may be targeted soon. The vulnerability is specific to an older Windows 10 version (1809), which is still in use in some environments but has been superseded by newer versions. The lack of a patch at this time increases risk for unmitigated systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily to those still operating legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems, which may be found in industrial control systems, government agencies, or enterprises with strict legacy application dependencies. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges locally, bypass security controls, and gain kernel-level access, enabling them to deploy malware, steal sensitive data, or disrupt critical services. This is particularly concerning for sectors with high-value targets such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. The vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within networks if attackers gain initial footholds on affected machines. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, organizations could face data breaches, operational downtime, and regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the risk of future exploitation remains high.

European organizations should prioritize identifying and inventorying all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809. Given the lack of an official patch, immediate mitigations include restricting local access to trusted users only, enforcing strict privilege separation, and monitoring for suspicious local privilege escalation attempts. Organizations should implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous kernel-level activity. Network segmentation can limit the ability of attackers to move laterally after local compromise. Planning and testing upgrades to supported Windows versions (e.g., Windows 10 21H2 or later) should be accelerated to eliminate exposure. Additionally, organizations should apply all available security updates and harden kernel protections using Microsoft’s recommended security baselines. Regular auditing of user privileges and disabling unnecessary local accounts will reduce the attack surface. Finally, organizations should stay alert for official patches or workarounds from Microsoft and apply them promptly once available.