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 from improper handling of memory buffers within DWM, which can be exploited by an authorized local attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Specifically, the attacker must have some level of local access (limited privileges) but does not require user interaction to trigger the flaw. The heap overflow can corrupt memory, leading to privilege escalation by overwriting critical data structures or control flow information. This vulnerability is tracked under CWE-122, indicating a classic heap overflow scenario. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and requiring only limited privileges. Although no public exploits have been observed in the wild yet, the vulnerability's characteristics suggest it could be weaponized for local privilege escalation attacks, potentially facilitating further compromise of affected systems. The lack of a current patch means organizations must rely on mitigations and monitoring until official updates are released by Microsoft.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Windows 11 in enterprise and government environments. Successful exploitation allows attackers to escalate privileges locally, potentially leading to full system compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and disruption of critical services. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy, and public administration, where confidentiality and system integrity are paramount. The ability to elevate privileges without user interaction increases the risk of automated or stealthy attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as a stepping stone in multi-stage attacks, enabling lateral movement within networks. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score underscores the urgency for European organizations to prepare and respond promptly.

1. Apply official Microsoft patches immediately upon release to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are available, restrict local user privileges rigorously, ensuring users operate with the least privilege necessary. 3. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts targeting DWM. 4. Harden system configurations by disabling unnecessary services and features related to DWM if feasible in the organizational context. 5. Conduct regular audits of local accounts and permissions to minimize the number of users who can execute code locally. 6. Employ network segmentation to limit the impact of potential local privilege escalations from spreading across critical systems. 7. Educate IT staff and security teams about this vulnerability to enhance detection and incident response readiness. 8. Monitor threat intelligence feeds for emerging exploit code or attack campaigns related to CVE-2025-58722.