CVE-2025-55690 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability identified in the Windows PrintWorkflowUserSvc service within Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0). The flaw arises from improper memory management where the service frees memory but continues to use the pointer, leading to potential exploitation. An attacker with local authorized access but low privileges can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively escalating their rights on the system. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by allowing attackers to gain higher system privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. The CVSS vector indicates that exploitation requires local access (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), low privileges (PR:L), and no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the critical nature of privilege escalation in endpoint security. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-416 (Use After Free), a common memory corruption issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The PrintWorkflowUserSvc is a Windows service related to print workflow management, which is commonly enabled on Windows 11 systems, making this vulnerability relevant for a broad user base. No patches are listed yet, so organizations should monitor for updates from Microsoft and apply them promptly once released.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the widespread adoption of Windows 11 Version 25H2 in enterprise environments. Successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, and deploy malware or ransomware with elevated rights. This can disrupt business operations, compromise confidential information, and damage organizational reputation. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and industrial control systems that rely heavily on Windows endpoints are particularly vulnerable. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but insider threats or attackers who have already gained initial footholds can leverage this vulnerability to deepen their access. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as exploit development could follow publication. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability underscores the need for rapid mitigation to prevent potential lateral movement and privilege escalation within networks.

Organizations should prioritize the following mitigation steps: 1) Monitor Microsoft's official security advisories and apply patches for CVE-2025-55690 immediately upon release to remediate the use-after-free vulnerability. 2) Restrict access to the PrintWorkflowUserSvc service by limiting which users and processes can interact with it, using Group Policy or local security policies to reduce the attack surface. 3) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts targeting privilege escalation. 4) Implement strict local user privilege management, ensuring users operate with the least privilege necessary to limit the impact of local exploits. 5) Conduct regular system audits and vulnerability assessments to identify unpatched systems running Windows 11 Version 25H2. 6) Use network segmentation to isolate critical systems and reduce the risk of lateral movement if an endpoint is compromised. 7) Educate IT staff about the vulnerability and encourage vigilance for suspicious local activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling access to the vulnerable service and preparing for rapid patch deployment.