CVE-2025-54103 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 affecting Windows Management Services in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 21H2 (build 19044.0). This vulnerability arises when the system improperly manages memory, allowing an attacker to reference memory after it has been freed. Exploiting this flaw enables an unauthorized local attacker to elevate privileges on the affected system, potentially gaining SYSTEM-level access. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.4 (high), reflecting the vulnerability's significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring the attacker to have local access but no privileges or user interaction. The attack complexity is high (AC:H), indicating exploitation is non-trivial but feasible. No known exploits have been observed in the wild, and no official patches have been released as of the publication date. The vulnerability could be leveraged to bypass security controls, execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, and compromise system integrity. This poses a substantial risk to environments where Windows 10 21H2 is deployed, especially in enterprise and critical infrastructure contexts.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the widespread use of Windows 10 Version 21H2 in enterprise environments. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated rights, potentially compromising sensitive data and disrupting critical services. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy, and government, where confidentiality and system integrity are paramount. The local attack vector means that insider threats or attackers who gain initial local access (e.g., via phishing or physical access) could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and move laterally within networks. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but also highlights the importance of proactive mitigation. The impact on availability could include system crashes or denial of service if memory corruption is triggered. Overall, the vulnerability could facilitate advanced persistent threats and targeted attacks against European organizations.

1. Enforce strict local access controls and limit the number of users with local login privileges on Windows 10 Version 21H2 systems. 2. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious local activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 3. Harden systems by disabling unnecessary Windows Management Services where feasible to reduce the attack surface. 4. Employ the principle of least privilege for all user accounts and services to minimize potential privilege escalation paths. 5. Monitor system logs for unusual behavior related to memory management or privilege escalation attempts. 6. Prepare for rapid deployment of official patches once Microsoft releases them, including testing in controlled environments. 7. Conduct regular security awareness training to reduce risks of initial local access through social engineering or physical compromise. 8. Use network segmentation to limit lateral movement opportunities if an attacker gains local access. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential exploitation consequences.