CVE-2025-54114 is a race condition vulnerability classified under CWE-362, found in the Windows Connected Devices Platform Service component of Microsoft Windows Server 2022 (version 10.0.20348.0). The flaw arises from improper synchronization when multiple threads or processes concurrently access shared resources, leading to a state where an attacker with local authorized access can manipulate the timing of operations to escalate privileges. This vulnerability allows an attacker with low privileges to gain higher-level privileges on the system without requiring user interaction, increasing the risk of full system compromise. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.0, indicating high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), attack complexity high (AC:H), privileges required low (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability all rated high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits or patches are currently available, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the critical nature of privilege escalation in server environments. The Windows Connected Devices Platform Service is integral to device connectivity and management, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise and cloud environments relying on Windows Server 2022. Proper synchronization issues like race conditions are notoriously difficult to detect and can be exploited to bypass security controls, making timely remediation essential.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation on critical Windows Server 2022 systems, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, access sensitive data, disrupt services, or move laterally within networks. This is especially impactful for sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, where Windows Server 2022 is commonly deployed. The compromise of server privileges can undermine confidentiality, integrity, and availability of enterprise systems, leading to data breaches, operational downtime, and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as insider threats or attackers gaining initial footholds via other vectors could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high impact rating necessitates urgent attention.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches or updates for Windows Server 2022 Connected Devices Platform Service immediately upon release. 2. Restrict and tightly control local access to Windows Server 2022 systems, employing strong authentication and least privilege principles to minimize the number of users with local access. 3. Implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts, focusing on processes related to the Connected Devices Platform Service. 4. Conduct regular security audits and privilege reviews to identify and remediate excessive permissions or unnecessary local accounts. 5. Use application whitelisting and system hardening to reduce the attack surface and prevent unauthorized code execution. 6. Employ network segmentation to limit lateral movement opportunities if privilege escalation occurs. 7. Educate system administrators and security teams about the risks of race condition vulnerabilities and the importance of timely patching and monitoring.