CVE-2025-55330 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0) affecting the BitLocker encryption feature. The root cause is an improper enforcement of behavioral workflow, classified under CWE-841, which relates to insufficient control over the sequence of operations or states in a security mechanism. BitLocker is designed to protect data at rest by encrypting volumes and enforcing access controls. However, this vulnerability allows an attacker with physical access to bypass BitLocker's security controls, potentially gaining unauthorized access to encrypted data or modifying it without detection. The attack vector requires physical access (AV:P), no privileges (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N), indicating that the exploit can be performed by an attacker who can physically manipulate the device without needing to authenticate or trick a user. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.1 (medium severity), reflecting high impact on confidentiality and integrity but no impact on availability. The vulnerability is currently published with no known exploits in the wild and no patches released yet. This suggests that while the vulnerability is serious, exploitation is limited by the need for physical access and the absence of automated exploit tools. The improper workflow enforcement likely involves a flaw in the sequence of cryptographic or authentication checks within BitLocker, enabling bypass of protections under certain physical attack conditions. Organizations relying on BitLocker for data protection should be aware of this risk, especially in environments where devices may be physically accessible to adversaries.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-55330 is primarily on the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data protected by BitLocker on Windows 11 25H2 devices. If an attacker gains physical access to a device, they could bypass BitLocker protections, leading to unauthorized data disclosure or tampering. This is particularly critical for sectors handling sensitive personal data (e.g., GDPR-regulated data), intellectual property, or critical infrastructure information. The vulnerability does not affect availability, so operational disruption is unlikely. However, the breach of encrypted data could result in regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and loss of competitive advantage. Organizations with mobile or remote workforces, or those using laptops and portable devices, are at higher risk due to increased chances of physical device compromise. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but also means organizations must proactively prepare for potential future attacks. The medium severity rating suggests that while the threat is serious, it is not as urgent as remote code execution vulnerabilities but still requires attention in security planning and incident response.

1. Restrict and monitor physical access to devices, especially laptops and portable systems using BitLocker encryption. 2. Implement strong physical security controls such as locked offices, secure storage, and tamper-evident seals. 3. Use hardware-based security features like TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and ensure BitLocker is configured to require TPM plus PIN or startup key to increase protection. 4. Regularly audit and verify BitLocker status and encryption integrity across devices. 5. Prepare for patch deployment by monitoring Microsoft security advisories and applying updates promptly once available. 6. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect suspicious physical tampering or unauthorized access attempts. 7. Educate employees on the risks of device theft or loss and enforce policies for reporting and handling such incidents. 8. Consider additional encryption or data protection layers for highly sensitive data beyond BitLocker. 9. For high-risk environments, consider disabling sleep or hibernation modes that might expose encryption keys in memory. 10. Maintain comprehensive asset inventories to quickly identify and respond to compromised devices.