CVE-2025-58725 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-122, affecting the Component Object Model (COM) in Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0). The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory buffers on the heap, which can be exploited by an attacker with authorized local access to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This flaw does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have low-level privileges on the system, such as a standard user account. The overflow can corrupt memory, potentially allowing the attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM or equivalent, thereby gaining full control over the affected machine. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.0 reflects a 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 to confidentiality, integrity, and availability all rated high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. The vulnerability's presence in Windows COM, a core component used extensively in Windows environments, increases the risk of widespread impact if exploited.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread deployment of Windows 11 25H2 in enterprise, government, and critical infrastructure environments. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges from a low-privileged user to SYSTEM level, enabling full control over affected systems. This could lead to data breaches, disruption of services, and compromise of sensitive information. The impact is heightened in environments where local user accounts are common or where insider threats exist. Additionally, the ability to elevate privileges without user interaction facilitates stealthy attacks and persistence. Organizations relying on Windows 11 endpoints for critical operations, including financial institutions, healthcare providers, and public sector entities, could face operational disruptions and regulatory consequences under GDPR if sensitive data is compromised.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches immediately upon release to remediate the vulnerability. 2) Restrict local user privileges by enforcing the principle of least privilege, limiting the number of users with local access and administrative rights. 3) Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 4) Harden system configurations by disabling unnecessary COM components or services where feasible. 5) Conduct regular audits of local user accounts and remove or disable unused accounts to reduce the attack surface. 6) Employ network segmentation to limit lateral movement from compromised endpoints. 7) Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation and encourage reporting of suspicious activities. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on reducing local attack vectors and improving detection capabilities.