CVE-2025-53152 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416, found in the Desktop Windows Manager (DWM) component of 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, leading to undefined behavior that attackers can exploit to execute arbitrary code. In this case, an authorized attacker with low privileges on the local system can leverage this flaw to execute code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining full control over the affected system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, which increases the risk of automated exploitation once a reliable exploit is developed. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 indicates high severity, with the vector showing local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), low privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the absence of patches means systems remain vulnerable. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations that have not upgraded from Windows 10 Version 1809, which is an older release with extended support ending soon or already ended. The Desktop Windows Manager is a critical system component responsible for graphical user interface rendering, so exploitation could destabilize or compromise the entire system. This vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date systems and applying security patches promptly once available.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-53152 can be substantial. Since the vulnerability allows local code execution with elevated privileges, attackers who gain initial access to a system—through phishing, insider threats, or other means—can escalate privileges and potentially compromise entire networks. This could lead to data breaches, disruption of critical services, and loss of sensitive information. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly at risk due to the potential for severe operational disruption and regulatory consequences under GDPR. The vulnerability affects Windows 10 Version 1809, which is still in use in some enterprises due to legacy application dependencies or delayed upgrade cycles. The lack of a patch increases exposure time, and the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that successful exploitation could result in complete system takeover, data corruption, or denial of service. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with many users or insufficient endpoint security controls.

To mitigate CVE-2025-53152, European organizations should take several specific steps beyond generic advice: 1) Immediately audit and identify all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 to understand exposure. 2) Restrict local access to these systems by enforcing strict access controls, including limiting administrative privileges and using least privilege principles. 3) Implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious local activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 4) Disable or restrict access to Desktop Windows Manager features where feasible, or apply group policies to limit its attack surface. 5) Prepare for patch deployment by testing updates in controlled environments as soon as Microsoft releases a security update addressing this vulnerability. 6) Consider accelerating migration plans to newer, supported Windows versions (e.g., Windows 10 21H2 or Windows 11) to reduce reliance on legacy systems. 7) Educate users about the risks of local privilege escalation and enforce strong physical and network security controls to prevent unauthorized local access. 8) Regularly review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving local privilege escalation and use-after-free exploits.