CVE-2025-54096 is a security vulnerability classified as an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125) affecting Microsoft Windows Server 2019, specifically version 10.0.17763.0. The flaw exists within the Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS), a component responsible for routing network traffic and providing remote access capabilities. An out-of-bounds read occurs when a program reads data outside the bounds of allocated memory, potentially leading to the disclosure of sensitive information. In this case, an unauthorized attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely over the network without requiring any privileges, but user interaction is necessary. The vulnerability allows the attacker to disclose information, impacting the confidentiality of the system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The impact is limited to confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity or availability. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in mid-July 2025 and published in early September 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. The RRAS service is critical in enterprise environments for VPN and routing services, making this vulnerability relevant for organizations relying on Windows Server 2019 for remote access infrastructure.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the confidentiality of sensitive data transmitted or processed via Windows Server 2019 systems running RRAS. Enterprises that use RRAS for VPN or routing services could have sensitive network configuration or session data exposed to attackers capable of triggering the out-of-bounds read. Although the vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability, the unauthorized disclosure of information could facilitate further attacks, such as reconnaissance or credential harvesting. Sectors with high reliance on secure remote access, such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, could be particularly impacted. The requirement for user interaction somewhat limits the attack surface, but phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to induce the necessary interaction. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits post-disclosure. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is serious, it is not critical, but organizations should prioritize mitigation to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation strategies: 1) Monitor for updates from Microsoft and apply security patches promptly once available, as no patch is currently linked but likely forthcoming. 2) Restrict exposure of RRAS services to untrusted networks by implementing network segmentation and firewall rules that limit access to RRAS ports only to trusted hosts and VPN clients. 3) Employ strong user awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering or phishing attacks that could trigger the required user interaction for exploitation. 4) Enable and monitor detailed logging on RRAS servers to detect anomalous access patterns or attempts to exploit the vulnerability. 5) Consider deploying intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures or heuristics targeting RRAS anomalies once such signatures become available. 6) Evaluate the necessity of RRAS services and disable or replace them with alternative secure remote access solutions if feasible. 7) Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focusing on RRAS and related network services to identify and remediate exposure.