CVE-2025-55689 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in the Windows PrintWorkflowUserSvc service on Microsoft Windows Server 2022 (version 10.0.20348.0). The vulnerability arises when the service improperly manages memory, leading to a condition where previously freed memory is accessed. This flaw is categorized under CWE-416 (Use After Free), a common memory corruption issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation. An attacker with authorized local access and low privileges can exploit this vulnerability to elevate their privileges to higher levels, potentially SYSTEM level, without requiring any user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.0, indicating 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). Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to environments where Windows Server 2022 is deployed, particularly in enterprise and government sectors that rely on print workflow services. The vulnerability was reserved in August 2025 and published in October 2025, with no patches currently linked, indicating that organizations should monitor for updates from Microsoft. The exploitation requires local access and some complexity, but the impact of successful exploitation can be severe, allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges and potentially take full control of affected systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-55689 can be substantial, especially in sectors heavily reliant on Windows Server 2022 infrastructure, such as finance, healthcare, government, and manufacturing. Successful exploitation allows attackers to escalate privileges locally, potentially leading to full system compromise, data breaches, and disruption of critical services. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data and systems could be severely affected. This vulnerability could be leveraged as a stepping stone in multi-stage attacks, including lateral movement within networks. Organizations with large print workflow environments or those that provide remote desktop or terminal services may face increased risk. Additionally, the lack of current exploits in the wild does not diminish the urgency, as attackers may develop exploits once patches are released or if the vulnerability details become widely known. The threat is particularly relevant for environments where local user access controls are weak or where insider threats exist.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches or updates immediately once they become available for Windows Server 2022 (build 10.0.20348.0). 2. Restrict local access to Windows Server 2022 systems to trusted administrators and users only, minimizing the risk of exploitation by unauthorized personnel. 3. Implement strict access controls and auditing on print workflow services and related components to detect and prevent unauthorized usage. 4. Use application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to detect anomalous behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Employ network segmentation to limit the ability of attackers to move laterally if privilege escalation occurs. 6. Conduct regular security training and awareness programs to reduce insider threat risks. 7. Consider disabling or limiting the use of the PrintWorkflowUserSvc service if it is not essential to business operations, as a temporary mitigation until patches are available. 8. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises.