CVE-2025-58722 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) component of Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0). The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of memory buffers within DWM, which can be exploited by an authorized local attacker to overwrite heap memory. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of a higher-privileged process, effectively allowing privilege escalation from a limited user account to SYSTEM or equivalent. The attack vector requires local access with limited privileges but does not require user interaction, increasing the risk in environments where attackers have already gained some foothold. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow), indicating that the flaw involves writing more data to a heap buffer than it can hold, corrupting adjacent memory. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8 (High), reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no user interaction needed. No public exploits or patches have been released at the time of publication, but the vulnerability is reserved and published officially by Microsoft. This flaw could be leveraged in multi-stage attacks to gain full control over affected systems, bypassing security boundaries enforced by Windows. The lack of user interaction requirement and the ability to escalate privileges locally make this a critical concern for endpoint security teams. Organizations should monitor for suspicious local activity and prepare to deploy patches promptly once available.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk as it enables local privilege escalation, potentially allowing attackers who have gained limited access to fully compromise affected Windows 11 systems. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and lateral movement within networks. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on Windows 11 endpoints and the sensitive nature of their data and operations. The ability to escalate privileges without user interaction increases the risk of automated or stealthy attacks. Additionally, organizations with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies or less controlled endpoint environments may face higher exposure. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity score indicates that once exploited, the consequences could be severe, including data breaches, ransomware deployment, or sabotage of essential services. The vulnerability could also undermine compliance with European data protection regulations if exploited to access or alter personal data.

1. Implement strict local access controls by limiting the number of users with local accounts and enforcing the principle of least privilege to reduce the attack surface. 2. Monitor and audit local user activities, especially those involving DWM or unusual process behavior, to detect potential exploitation attempts early. 3. Prepare for rapid deployment of security patches from Microsoft once they become available, including testing in controlled environments to avoid operational disruptions. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous memory corruption or privilege escalation behaviors. 5. Restrict or disable unnecessary local accounts and services that could be leveraged to gain initial access. 6. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation and encourage reporting of suspicious system behavior. 7. Use virtualization-based security features available in Windows 11 to isolate critical processes and reduce the impact of exploitation. 8. Regularly update and harden endpoint security configurations to minimize vulnerabilities that could be chained with this flaw.