CVE-2025-53802 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416, affecting the Windows Bluetooth Service component in Microsoft Windows Server 2022 (version 10.0.20348.0). This vulnerability occurs when the Bluetooth service improperly manages memory, specifically freeing memory that is still in use, which can lead to execution of arbitrary code or escalation of privileges. An attacker with authorized local access and low privileges can exploit this flaw to elevate their privileges to higher levels, potentially SYSTEM or administrative rights, without requiring user interaction. The attack vector is local (AV:L), and the attack complexity is high (AC:H), meaning exploitation requires specific conditions or knowledge. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), indicating that successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data breaches, or denial of service. No public exploits or active exploitation in the wild have been reported as of the publication date (September 9, 2025). The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate risk mitigation through access control and monitoring. The vulnerability is particularly critical in server environments where Windows Server 2022 is deployed, as these systems often host sensitive enterprise applications and data. The Bluetooth service, while not typically exposed externally, can be a vector for lateral movement or privilege escalation once an attacker gains local foothold. The vulnerability’s CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.0, reflecting a high severity level due to the combination of impact and required privileges.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-53802 can be significant, especially for enterprises and data centers relying on Windows Server 2022 for critical infrastructure. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges from a low-privileged local user to administrative or SYSTEM level, enabling full control over the server. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, deployment of malware or ransomware, and lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the widespread use of Windows Server 2022 in European financial institutions, government agencies, healthcare providers, and cloud service providers, the vulnerability poses a substantial risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but increases the risk from insider threats or attackers who have already compromised lower-level accounts. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive defense, but organizations must act swiftly to prevent potential exploitation. The Bluetooth service’s role in the attack chain also suggests that environments with enabled Bluetooth on servers may be more vulnerable, though many server deployments disable Bluetooth by default.

1. Restrict local access to Windows Server 2022 systems, ensuring only trusted administrators and users have login capabilities. 2. Disable the Bluetooth service on servers where it is not required to reduce the attack surface. 3. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on accounts with local privileges to detect unusual activity related to the Bluetooth service. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Prepare for rapid deployment of Microsoft patches once they become available; track vendor advisories closely. 6. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments focusing on privilege escalation vectors. 7. Use application whitelisting and least privilege principles to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 8. Educate system administrators about the vulnerability and the importance of minimizing local access and disabling unnecessary services. 9. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical servers and limit lateral movement opportunities. 10. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to mitigate potential damage from exploitation.