CVE-2025-59198 is a vulnerability identified in the Microsoft Windows Search Component within Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0). The root cause is improper input validation (CWE-20), which allows an authorized local attacker to supply crafted input that the search component fails to properly handle. This can lead to a denial of service condition, typically by causing the search service or related processes to crash or become unresponsive. The vulnerability requires local access with at least limited privileges (PR:L) and user interaction (UI:R), meaning an attacker must be able to execute code or commands on the affected system and interact with the user session. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.0 (medium severity), reflecting that while the impact on confidentiality and integrity is none, the availability impact is high due to service disruption. The attack vector is local, and the complexity is low, but the requirement for privileges and user interaction limits remote exploitation. No public exploits or active exploitation in the wild have been reported as of the publication date (October 14, 2025). The vulnerability is currently published but no patch links are provided yet, indicating that remediation may be pending. This vulnerability could affect any system running the specified Windows 11 build, particularly enterprise environments where Windows Search is heavily used for file indexing and retrieval.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-59198 is the potential denial of service on Windows 11 systems running the affected version. This can disrupt user productivity by causing the Windows Search service to crash or become unavailable, impacting workflows that depend on quick file and data retrieval. In sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, where timely access to information is critical, such disruptions could lead to operational delays and reduced efficiency. Although the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, repeated or targeted DoS attacks could degrade system reliability and increase helpdesk and IT support costs. Organizations with large deployments of Windows 11 25H2, especially those with users having local privileges, are at greater risk. The requirement for user interaction and local access reduces the likelihood of widespread remote exploitation but insider threats or compromised endpoints could still leverage this vulnerability. Additionally, critical infrastructure entities relying on Windows 11 for endpoint operations may face availability challenges if exploited.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches or updates as soon as they become available for Windows 11 Version 25H2. 2. Restrict local user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the risk of exploitation by unauthorized users. 3. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to detect and prevent execution of unauthorized code that could trigger the vulnerability. 4. Educate users to avoid interacting with suspicious prompts or inputs that could be crafted to exploit this vulnerability. 5. Monitor Windows Search service stability and logs for signs of crashes or abnormal behavior that could indicate attempted exploitation. 6. Consider disabling or limiting Windows Search service functionality in high-risk environments where it is not essential. 7. Employ network segmentation and endpoint isolation to limit the spread or impact of local attacks. 8. Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focused on local privilege escalation and denial of service scenarios to identify and remediate weaknesses proactively.