CVE-2025-54097 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) affecting Microsoft Windows Server 2019, specifically version 10.0.17763.0. The issue resides in the Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS), a component responsible for routing network traffic and providing VPN and dial-up services. The vulnerability allows an attacker to send specially crafted network packets to the RRAS service, causing it to read memory outside the intended buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds read can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information from the server's memory space, potentially including credentials, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as the victim responding to or processing malicious network traffic. The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component. The confidentiality impact is high (C:H), while integrity and availability are unaffected (I:N, A:N). The exploitability level is moderate, with no known exploits in the wild and no patches currently available, though Microsoft has officially published the vulnerability details. The vulnerability was reserved in July 2025 and published in September 2025, indicating recent discovery. RRAS is commonly used in enterprise environments for remote access and routing, making this vulnerability relevant for organizations relying on Windows Server 2019 for network services.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-54097 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information from Windows Server 2019 systems running RRAS. This could include internal network details, authentication tokens, or other confidential data that attackers could leverage to escalate privileges or conduct further attacks such as lateral movement or targeted espionage. Given the widespread use of Windows Server 2019 in European enterprises and public sector organizations, especially for VPN and remote access services, this vulnerability could expose critical infrastructure and sensitive data. The medium severity rating reflects that while the vulnerability does not allow direct system compromise or denial of service, the confidentiality breach could have significant consequences, particularly in regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, and government. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the absence of patches means organizations remain exposed until mitigations or updates are applied. Attackers could use this vulnerability as a reconnaissance tool to gather intelligence for more damaging attacks.

1. Disable RRAS if it is not required for business operations to eliminate the attack surface. 2. Implement strict network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to RRAS services only to trusted networks and users. 3. Monitor network traffic for unusual or malformed packets targeting RRAS ports and protocols, using intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS). 4. Apply the principle of least privilege to limit the exposure of servers running RRAS, including restricting administrative access. 5. Stay informed about Microsoft security advisories and apply official patches or hotfixes promptly once they become available. 6. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior related to RRAS exploitation attempts. 7. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration tests focusing on remote access infrastructure to identify and remediate weaknesses. 8. Educate network administrators about this vulnerability and encourage vigilance when reviewing RRAS logs and alerts.