CVE-2025-55688 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 manages memory, allowing an attacker to reference memory after it has been freed. Exploiting this flaw enables an authorized local attacker with low privileges to elevate their privileges to higher levels, potentially SYSTEM level, thereby gaining full control over the affected system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require local access and has a high attack complexity, meaning exploitation is non-trivial but feasible in targeted scenarios. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.0, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known public exploits or patches are currently available, indicating that organizations should proactively prepare defenses. The PrintWorkflowUserSvc is involved in managing print workflows, which are common in enterprise environments, increasing the potential attack surface. The vulnerability could be leveraged to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or disrupt critical services. Given the nature of the flaw, attackers with local access—such as through compromised user accounts or insider threats—pose the primary risk vector.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in sectors where Windows 11 25H2 is widely deployed, such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated rights, access sensitive data, disrupt services, or establish persistent footholds. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, potentially resulting in data breaches, operational downtime, and compliance violations under regulations like GDPR. Organizations relying on print workflows or shared workstations are particularly vulnerable. Although remote exploitation is not possible, the risk remains substantial in environments with multiple users or where attackers can gain initial local access through phishing, credential theft, or insider actions. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the vulnerability’s presence in a core Windows service underscores the need for urgent attention.

1. Enforce strict local access controls and limit user permissions to the minimum necessary, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized local access. 2. Monitor and audit local privilege escalation attempts and unusual activity related to the PrintWorkflowUserSvc service and print-related processes. 3. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. 4. Prepare for rapid deployment of official patches or security updates from Microsoft once released; subscribe to vendor advisories for timely information. 5. Consider isolating or restricting access to print workflow services in sensitive environments until a patch is available. 6. Educate users about the risks of local account compromise and enforce strong authentication mechanisms to reduce initial access vectors. 7. Regularly review and update security policies related to local privilege management and service hardening on Windows 11 systems.