CVE-2025-53152 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, leading to undefined behavior such as arbitrary code execution or system crashes. In this case, an authorized attacker with limited privileges (PR:L) can exploit the flaw locally without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning remote exploitation is not possible without prior access. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed but no patches or known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date (August 12, 2025). The lack of patches means systems remain vulnerable, and the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks or privilege escalation scenarios. The Desktop Windows Manager is a critical system component responsible for rendering the graphical user interface, so exploitation could destabilize or take control of the system. The vulnerability was reserved on June 26, 2025, and published shortly after, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-53152 can be significant, especially in sectors relying on Windows 10 Version 1809, such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Successful exploitation allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data breaches, disruption of services, and lateral movement within networks. Confidentiality is at risk due to unauthorized data access, integrity can be compromised by malicious code execution, and availability may be affected by system crashes or denial-of-service conditions. Since the attack requires local access with limited privileges, insider threats or attackers who have gained initial footholds could escalate privileges and move laterally. The absence of patches increases the window of exposure. Organizations with legacy systems or delayed patch management are particularly vulnerable. The threat also complicates compliance with European data protection regulations such as GDPR, as exploitation could lead to personal data breaches.

1. Upgrade affected systems to a supported and patched version of Windows as soon as a fix becomes available from Microsoft. 2. Until patches are released, restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809, especially for non-administrative users. 3. Implement strict privilege management and minimize the number of users with local access rights. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior related to Desktop Windows Manager or code execution attempts. 5. Monitor system logs and security events for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Use network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a local compromise occurs. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and enforce strong authentication and access controls. 8. Consider virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or sandboxing for high-risk environments to isolate vulnerable components. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to recover from potential compromises.