CVE-2025-55337 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0) that affects the BitLocker full disk encryption feature. The root cause is an improper enforcement of behavioral workflow, classified under CWE-841, which relates to failures in enforcing expected sequences of operations or state transitions. Specifically, this flaw allows an attacker with physical access to the device to bypass BitLocker's security mechanisms, potentially gaining unauthorized access to encrypted data. The vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction, making it exploitable solely through physical access, which is a critical consideration for portable or remotely deployed devices. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.1 (medium severity), reflecting high impact on confidentiality and integrity but no impact on availability. The attack vector is physical (AV:P), with low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component without impacting other system components. Currently, there are no known exploits in the wild, and no patches have been published, indicating that organizations must rely on compensating controls until a fix is available. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations relying on BitLocker to protect sensitive data on laptops and mobile devices, as physical access attacks can circumvent encryption protections, undermining data confidentiality and integrity.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-55337 is significant, especially for sectors handling sensitive or regulated data such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. The ability to bypass BitLocker encryption through physical attacks threatens the confidentiality and integrity of data stored on Windows 11 devices. This could lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, and compliance violations under regulations like GDPR. Organizations with remote or mobile workforces are particularly vulnerable due to increased risk of device theft or unauthorized physical access. Although availability is not affected, the loss of data confidentiality and integrity can cause operational disruptions, reputational damage, and financial losses. The absence of patches increases the window of exposure, necessitating heightened physical security and monitoring. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is serious, exploitation requires physical access, somewhat limiting the attack surface compared to remote vulnerabilities.

To mitigate CVE-2025-55337, European organizations should implement strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to devices, including secure storage, access logging, and surveillance in sensitive areas. Employ tamper-evident seals and hardware security modules where feasible. Enforce policies for immediate reporting and response to lost or stolen devices. Use multi-factor authentication and strong pre-boot authentication mechanisms to complement BitLocker. Monitor device access logs and audit trails for suspicious activity. Prepare for rapid deployment of Microsoft patches once released by establishing robust patch management processes. Consider additional encryption layers or endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and respond to physical tampering attempts. Train employees on physical security best practices and the risks associated with device theft. For highly sensitive environments, consider disabling hibernation and sleep modes that could expose encryption keys in memory. Regularly review and update security policies to address evolving physical attack vectors.