CVE-2025-59189 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 affecting the Microsoft Brokering File System in Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0). Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior such as memory corruption. In this case, an unauthorized local attacker can exploit this flaw to elevate privileges on the system. The vulnerability allows the attacker to execute code with higher privileges than initially granted, potentially leading to full system compromise. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.4 (high), reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, but with high attack complexity and no privileges or user interaction required. The vulnerability was reserved on September 10, 2025, and published on October 14, 2025. No patches or known exploits are currently available, indicating that the vulnerability is newly disclosed and not yet actively exploited. The Brokering File System is a core component responsible for managing file system operations and inter-process communication, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous if exploited. Attackers with local access could leverage this flaw to bypass security controls and gain administrative privileges, enabling them to install malware, exfiltrate data, or disrupt system operations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially in environments where Windows 11 Version 25H2 is deployed. The ability for an unauthorized local attacker to elevate privileges can lead to full system compromise, data breaches, and disruption of critical services. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of their data and the potential impact of system downtime. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, modification, or destruction, as well as denial of service. Given the high Windows market penetration across Europe, many organizations could be affected if local attackers gain access to endpoints or servers running the vulnerable OS version. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity score underscores the urgency of addressing this vulnerability.

1. Restrict local access to systems running Windows 11 Version 25H2 to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 2. Implement strict endpoint security controls, including application whitelisting and behavior monitoring, to detect and prevent suspicious activities indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 3. Use least privilege principles for user accounts and services to limit the potential impact of a successful exploit. 4. Monitor security advisories from Microsoft closely and prepare to deploy patches immediately upon release. 5. Employ advanced threat detection solutions that can identify anomalous memory usage or process behavior related to use-after-free exploitation. 6. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on privilege escalation vectors. 7. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical systems and reduce lateral movement opportunities for attackers. 8. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of maintaining secure system configurations.