CVE-2025-59197 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0) that involves the insertion of sensitive information into Event Trace Log (ETL) files. ETL files are used by Windows for diagnostic and event tracing purposes. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-532, which pertains to the insertion of sensitive information into log files. In this case, an authorized attacker with local access and low privileges can access these ETL logs and extract sensitive information that should not be exposed. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and does not affect system integrity or availability, but it compromises confidentiality by leaking potentially sensitive data. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates low attack complexity and privileges required, but the attack surface is limited to local access only. No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date, but the presence of sensitive data in logs can facilitate further attacks or information disclosure. The vulnerability was reserved on 2025-09-10 and published on 2025-10-14, with no patch links currently available, indicating that mitigation may rely on configuration changes or upcoming updates from Microsoft.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-59197 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information through ETL log files on Windows 11 Version 25H2 systems. This can lead to confidentiality breaches, especially in environments where multiple users have local access or where endpoint security is lax. Sensitive information leakage can facilitate insider threats or lateral movement by attackers who gain low-level access. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and infrastructure that rely heavily on Windows 11 endpoints may face increased risk of data exposure. Although the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the loss of confidentiality can have regulatory and reputational consequences, particularly under GDPR and other data protection frameworks in Europe. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability should be addressed proactively to prevent potential exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2025-59197, European organizations should implement strict access controls on ETL log files to ensure only authorized administrators can read them. Regular auditing and monitoring of access to these logs can help detect unauthorized attempts to access sensitive information. Organizations should apply the principle of least privilege to local user accounts to minimize the number of users who can access these logs. Until an official patch is released by Microsoft, consider disabling or limiting diagnostic logging that generates sensitive data in ETL files where feasible. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious local activities related to log file access. Additionally, maintain up-to-date security policies and educate users about the risks of local privilege misuse. Once Microsoft releases a patch or update addressing this vulnerability, prioritize its deployment across all affected Windows 11 25H2 systems.