CVE-2025-58714 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) found in the Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock component of Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0). This flaw allows an authorized local attacker to escalate their privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability arises because the driver does not properly enforce access control policies, permitting users with limited privileges to perform actions or access resources that should be restricted. Exploitation does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have some level of local access (low privileges). Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise by elevating the attacker’s privileges to SYSTEM or equivalent, thereby impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity with attack vector local, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No public exploits are known at this time, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix may be forthcoming or pending release from Microsoft. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where multiple users have local access or where endpoint security is critical.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk as Windows 11 is widely deployed across enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure sectors. An attacker with local access could leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, or deployment of malware with system-level rights. This could affect confidentiality by exposing sensitive information, integrity by allowing unauthorized changes to system files or configurations, and availability by enabling denial-of-service conditions or persistent malware infections. Organizations with shared workstations, remote desktop access, or insufficient endpoint security controls are particularly vulnerable. The impact is heightened in sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy, and public administration, where data protection and system availability are paramount. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits following public disclosure.

1. Monitor Microsoft’s official channels closely for the release of security patches addressing CVE-2025-58714 and apply them immediately upon availability. 2. Restrict local user privileges rigorously, ensuring users operate with the least privilege necessary to reduce the attack surface. 3. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block suspicious local privilege escalation attempts. 4. Enforce strong access controls on shared systems and limit the number of users with local access rights. 5. Conduct regular audits of local user accounts and permissions to identify and remediate excessive privileges. 6. Use network segmentation to isolate critical systems and reduce the risk of lateral movement following local compromise. 7. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation and encourage reporting of unusual system behavior. 8. Consider deploying additional security features such as Windows Defender Credential Guard and virtualization-based security to harden the system against privilege escalation.