CVE-2025-59197 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-532, which involves the insertion of sensitive information into log files, specifically within the Windows Event Trace Log (ETL) channel in Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0). The flaw allows an authorized attacker with local access and limited privileges (low complexity) to disclose sensitive information by reading these ETL logs. Since ETL logs are designed to capture detailed system and application events, the improper logging of sensitive data such as credentials, tokens, or other confidential information can lead to unintended data exposure. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and does not affect system integrity or availability, focusing solely on confidentiality. The CVSS v3.1 score of 5.5 reflects a medium severity, driven by local attack vector, low attack complexity, and partial confidentiality impact. No public exploits or patches have been reported or released yet, but the vulnerability is officially published and recognized by Microsoft. This issue highlights a common security misconfiguration where sensitive data is logged without adequate sanitization or access control, increasing the risk of insider threats or lateral movement by attackers who have gained limited local access.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-59197 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information stored in ETL logs on Windows 11 Version 25H2 systems. This can compromise confidentiality of critical data such as authentication tokens, system configurations, or user information, which could be leveraged for further attacks or privilege escalation. Although exploitation requires local access, insider threats or attackers who have already breached perimeter defenses could exploit this vulnerability to gather intelligence or move laterally within networks. This risk is particularly concerning for sectors handling sensitive personal data (e.g., finance, healthcare, government) under strict data protection regulations like GDPR. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, so operational disruption is unlikely. However, the exposure of sensitive data could lead to compliance violations, reputational damage, and increased risk of subsequent attacks. Organizations relying heavily on Windows 11 25H2 in their infrastructure should assess their exposure and implement controls to mitigate data leakage from logs.

1. Restrict access to ETL log files by enforcing strict file system permissions, ensuring only trusted administrators and system processes can read these logs. 2. Monitor and audit access to ETL logs to detect any unauthorized or suspicious local access attempts. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify anomalous behavior indicative of local privilege abuse or lateral movement. 4. Review and sanitize logging configurations to prevent sensitive information from being recorded in logs where possible. 5. Apply the principle of least privilege to limit the number of users and processes with local access to affected systems. 6. Stay alert for official patches or updates from Microsoft addressing this vulnerability and deploy them promptly once available. 7. Educate IT staff and security teams about the risks of sensitive data exposure through logs and incorporate this into incident response plans. 8. Consider additional encryption or protection mechanisms for log storage if feasible to reduce risk of data leakage.