CVE-2025-55326 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in the Connected Devices Platform Service (Cdpsvc) component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 17763.0). Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior such as arbitrary code execution. In this case, the flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to remotely execute arbitrary code over the network by exploiting the Cdpsvc service, which manages connectivity and device pairing features in Windows. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), but requires high attack complexity (AC:H) and user interaction (UI:R), with no privileges required (PR:N). The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), enabling full system compromise if exploited. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability is critical due to the potential impact and remote attack vector. The vulnerability was reserved in August 2025 and published in October 2025, with no patches currently available, indicating a zero-day window. The affected Windows 10 version 1809 is an older release, but still in use in some enterprise environments, particularly where legacy applications or hardware compatibility is a concern. The Cdpsvc service is typically network-exposed on systems with device connectivity features enabled, increasing the attack surface. This vulnerability underscores the risks of running outdated OS versions and the importance of timely patching and network segmentation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-55326 can be significant, especially for those still operating Windows 10 Version 1809 in production environments. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to full system takeover. This compromises confidentiality by exposing sensitive data, integrity by allowing unauthorized modifications, and availability by enabling denial-of-service conditions or ransomware deployment. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies that rely on legacy Windows 10 systems are particularly vulnerable. The network-based attack vector means that exposed services or poorly segmented networks increase risk. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction may limit automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments with frequent user activity. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure increases the window of exposure, necessitating immediate mitigation efforts. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks or lateral movement within compromised networks, amplifying its impact on European enterprises.

1. Upgrade affected systems to a supported and fully patched version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 to eliminate the vulnerability. 2. If upgrading is not immediately feasible, disable or restrict the Connected Devices Platform Service (Cdpsvc) via Group Policy or service configuration to reduce the attack surface. 3. Implement strict network segmentation and firewall rules to block unsolicited inbound traffic to ports and services associated with Cdpsvc, limiting exposure to untrusted networks. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behavior related to Cdpsvc or suspicious code execution attempts. 5. Educate users about the risks of interacting with unsolicited network prompts or device pairing requests to mitigate the user interaction requirement. 6. Regularly audit and inventory systems to identify those still running Windows 10 Version 1809 and prioritize remediation. 7. Monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploits or patches related to CVE-2025-55326 and apply updates promptly once available. 8. Consider deploying application whitelisting and exploit mitigation technologies such as Control Flow Guard (CFG) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) to reduce exploitation likelihood.