CVE-2025-55333 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0) affecting the BitLocker full disk encryption feature. The root cause is an incomplete comparison with missing factors (CWE-1023) within BitLocker's security checks, which enables an attacker with physical access to bypass BitLocker's encryption protections. BitLocker is designed to protect data confidentiality by encrypting entire drives and requiring authentication at boot. However, due to this flaw, certain security checks fail to consider all necessary factors, allowing an attacker to circumvent these protections without needing user credentials or elevated privileges. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.1, reflecting a medium severity level, with attack vector classified as physical (AV:P), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The impact affects confidentiality and integrity but not availability. No exploits have been reported in the wild, and no patches have been released at the time of publication. This vulnerability poses a risk primarily to devices that rely on BitLocker for data protection, especially portable devices vulnerable to theft or unauthorized physical access. The lack of patch availability necessitates immediate compensating controls to mitigate risk until a fix is deployed.

For European organizations, the vulnerability threatens the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data protected by BitLocker on Windows 11 25H2 devices. Organizations with mobile or endpoint devices that may be physically accessed by unauthorized individuals—such as laptops used by remote workers or field employees—are particularly at risk. Data breaches resulting from this vulnerability could lead to exposure of personal data, intellectual property, or critical business information, potentially violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. The inability to fully trust BitLocker encryption could undermine compliance efforts and damage organizational reputation. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and infrastructure operators that rely heavily on endpoint encryption for data security may face increased risk of targeted physical attacks. However, the requirement for physical access and the absence of remote exploitation reduce the likelihood of widespread automated attacks, focusing the threat on targeted theft or insider threats.

Until an official patch is released, European organizations should implement strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to devices, including secure storage, access logging, and surveillance. Enforce strong pre-boot authentication methods such as TPM with PIN or USB key to add layers of protection beyond BitLocker's default settings. Regularly audit and inventory devices with BitLocker enabled to ensure compliance with security policies. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for unusual device access or tampering. Train employees on the importance of physical device security and reporting lost or stolen devices immediately. Plan for rapid deployment of patches once Microsoft releases a fix, including testing and validation in controlled environments. Consider additional encryption or data protection solutions for highly sensitive data as a defense-in-depth measure. Review and update incident response plans to address potential data breaches stemming from physical device compromise.