CVE-2025-54913 is a race condition vulnerability classified under CWE-362, found in the Windows UI XAML Maps MapControlSettings component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The issue arises from improper synchronization when multiple threads or processes concurrently access shared resources, leading to a state where an attacker with authorized local access can manipulate the timing of operations to gain elevated privileges. This vulnerability does not require user interaction but demands that the attacker already have low-level privileges on the system. The race condition can be exploited to bypass security controls, allowing the attacker to escalate privileges, potentially gaining SYSTEM-level access. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector limited to local access and high attack complexity. The vulnerability is currently published but lacks an official patch or known exploits in the wild, increasing the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations. The flaw could be leveraged to facilitate further attacks such as lateral movement, persistence, or data exfiltration within compromised environments. The vulnerability specifically affects Windows 10 Version 1809, which remains in use in many enterprise environments despite being an older release. The absence of a patch means organizations must rely on compensating controls and monitoring until a fix is available.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-54913 is significant due to the potential for local privilege escalation on systems running Windows 10 Version 1809. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, undermining system security and enabling further malicious activities such as installing persistent malware, accessing sensitive data, or disrupting services. Critical sectors including government, finance, healthcare, and industrial control systems could face increased risk of targeted attacks leveraging this vulnerability. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems are all at risk, potentially leading to data breaches, operational downtime, and compliance violations under regulations like GDPR. Since the vulnerability requires local access, insider threats or attackers who have already compromised lower-privilege accounts pose the greatest danger. The lack of a patch increases exposure time, necessitating proactive defense measures. The impact is exacerbated in environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 remains widely deployed, especially in legacy systems or devices that cannot be easily upgraded.

1. Restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 by enforcing strict access controls and limiting user privileges to the minimum necessary. 2. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting unusual privilege escalation attempts or race condition exploitation patterns. 3. Monitor system logs and security events for anomalies related to MapControlSettings or unusual concurrent resource access behaviors. 4. Isolate critical systems and sensitive environments to reduce the risk of lateral movement following privilege escalation. 5. Where possible, upgrade affected systems to a more recent, supported Windows version that is not vulnerable to this issue. 6. Employ virtualization or sandboxing techniques to contain potential exploitation impacts. 7. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of reporting suspicious activity. 8. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing local privilege escalation scenarios. 9. Stay alert for official patches or security advisories from Microsoft and apply updates promptly once available.