CVE-2025-53721 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in the Windows Connected Devices Platform Service on 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 privilege escalation. In this case, an authorized local attacker can exploit this flaw to elevate their privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have some level of local access and the ability to overcome high attack complexity. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.0 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with the attack vector limited to local access and requiring high privileges to exploit. The flaw resides in a core Windows service responsible for managing connected devices, which is critical for system operations and security. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to systems still running Windows 10 Version 1809, which is an older and out-of-support OS version. The absence of patch links suggests that remediation may require upgrading to a newer Windows version or applying forthcoming security updates from Microsoft. The vulnerability's exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of services.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-53721 can be substantial, especially for those still operating legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems. Privilege escalation vulnerabilities enable attackers who have limited local access to gain administrative control, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, disruption of critical services, and lateral movement within networks. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, where confidentiality and availability are paramount. The vulnerability could facilitate insider threats or attacks from compromised local accounts, undermining endpoint security. Given the high CVSS score and the critical nature of the affected service, exploitation could result in severe operational and reputational damage. Additionally, the lack of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but organizations delaying remediation increase their risk exposure. The impact is amplified in environments where patch management is challenging or where legacy systems are maintained for compatibility reasons.

To mitigate CVE-2025-53721 effectively, European organizations should: 1) Prioritize upgrading systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a supported and patched Windows version, as this OS version is out of mainstream support and unlikely to receive timely patches. 2) If upgrading is not immediately feasible, implement strict local access controls to limit the number of users with local privileges and monitor for unusual activity related to the Connected Devices Platform Service. 3) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block suspicious privilege escalation attempts. 4) Conduct regular audits of user privileges and remove unnecessary local administrator rights. 5) Monitor security advisories from Microsoft for any forthcoming patches or mitigations specific to this vulnerability. 6) Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation and enforce strong physical and network access controls to reduce the attack surface. 7) Implement network segmentation to contain potential compromises originating from affected endpoints. These targeted steps go beyond generic patching advice and focus on reducing the likelihood and impact of exploitation in environments where immediate patching is not possible.