CVE-2025-55684 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in the Windows PrintWorkflowUserSvc service of Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0). This vulnerability arises when the service improperly handles memory, allowing an attacker with authorized local access and low privileges to exploit the flaw to elevate their privileges on the system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have some level of local access, making remote exploitation unlikely without prior foothold. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.0 reflects a high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), attack complexity high (AC:H), privileges required low (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability all rated high (C:H/I:H/A:H). The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. No known public exploits or patches have been released as of the publication date (October 14, 2025). The vulnerability was reserved in August 2025 and published shortly after, indicating a recent discovery. The PrintWorkflowUserSvc is related to print workflow management, a component often running with elevated privileges, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous if exploited. Organizations running Windows 11 25H2 should be aware of this threat and prepare to apply patches once available.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-55684 can be significant. The vulnerability allows local privilege escalation, which could be leveraged by attackers who have already gained limited access to systems, such as through phishing or insider threats, to gain full administrative control. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and deployment of ransomware or other malware. Given the widespread use of Windows 11 in enterprise environments across Europe, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, exploitation could result in severe operational and reputational damage. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that data breaches, system outages, and persistent backdoors are plausible outcomes. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but also underscores the importance of proactive defense. Organizations relying on print services and workflow automation may be particularly vulnerable due to the affected component. The threat is heightened in environments where endpoint security is weak or where users have local access but limited privileges, such as shared workstations or remote desktop environments.

To mitigate CVE-2025-55684, European organizations should implement several specific measures beyond generic patching advice: 1) Immediately restrict access to the PrintWorkflowUserSvc service by applying strict access control lists (ACLs) to limit which users and processes can interact with it. 2) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts or anomalous behavior related to print workflow services. 3) Harden local user accounts by enforcing the principle of least privilege, ensuring users do not have unnecessary local access rights that could be leveraged for exploitation. 4) Conduct thorough audits of local user permissions and remove or disable unused accounts to reduce the attack surface. 5) Prepare for rapid deployment of Microsoft patches once released by establishing robust patch management processes and testing environments. 6) Educate IT and security teams about the vulnerability specifics to enhance monitoring and incident response readiness. 7) Consider isolating critical systems or print servers from general user workstations to limit lateral movement opportunities. 8) Use network segmentation to contain potential compromises and prevent escalation from local access points. These targeted actions will reduce the likelihood and impact of exploitation until official patches are available.