CVE-2025-59189 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416, found in the Microsoft Brokering File System component of Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0). Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use a pointer after the memory it points to has been freed, leading to undefined behavior including memory corruption. In this case, an unauthorized local attacker can exploit this flaw to elevate privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining SYSTEM-level access. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring the attacker to have local access but no prior privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N). The attack complexity is high (AC:H), indicating exploitation requires specific conditions or knowledge. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), meaning an attacker could fully compromise the system. No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability is officially published and recognized. The Brokering File System is a critical Windows component responsible for managing file system operations and inter-process communications, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous. Given the nature of the flaw, successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls and execute malicious code with elevated rights, threatening enterprise environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to endpoint security, especially in environments heavily reliant on Windows 11 Version 25H2. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, enabling attackers to install malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt operations. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and industrial control systems could face severe consequences including data breaches, operational downtime, and regulatory penalties under GDPR. The local attack vector limits remote exploitation but insider threats or compromised local accounts could leverage this vulnerability. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the high severity and potential impact necessitate proactive measures. Organizations with large Windows 11 deployments or those using the affected build should prioritize vulnerability management to prevent lateral movement and privilege escalation within their networks.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches immediately once released to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Restrict local access to Windows 11 Version 25H2 systems to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 3. Implement strict endpoint protection and behavior monitoring to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts. 4. Use application whitelisting and least privilege principles to limit the ability of attackers to execute unauthorized code. 5. Conduct regular audits of user accounts and permissions to identify and remove unnecessary local privileges. 6. Employ network segmentation to isolate critical systems and reduce the impact of potential compromises. 7. Educate users about the risks of local account compromise and enforce strong authentication methods. 8. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing privilege escalation scenarios to enable rapid containment.