CVE-2025-59289 is a double free vulnerability identified in the Windows Bluetooth Service component of Microsoft Windows Server 2022, specifically affecting version 10.0.20348.0. A double free occurs when a program attempts to free the same memory location twice, leading to undefined behavior such as memory corruption, crashes, or potential code execution. In this case, the flaw allows an authorized attacker with local access and low privileges to exploit the vulnerability to elevate their privileges on the system. The attacker does not require user interaction, but the attack complexity is high due to the need for local access and precise exploitation of the memory management flaw. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially taking full control of the server. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.0, reflecting a high severity with attack vector local, attack complexity high, privileges required low, and no user interaction needed. No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability has been officially published and reserved by Microsoft. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-415 (Double Free), a well-known class of memory management errors that can lead to serious security issues. Given the critical role of Windows Server 2022 in enterprise environments, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations relying on this platform.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-59289 could be substantial. Windows Server 2022 is widely used in enterprise data centers, cloud environments, and critical infrastructure across Europe. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain elevated privileges, allowing them to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, disrupt services, or deploy further malware. This could lead to data breaches, operational downtime, and damage to organizational reputation. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and manufacturing, which rely heavily on Windows Server infrastructure, would be particularly vulnerable. The local attack vector means that insider threats or attackers who have gained initial footholds could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and move laterally within networks. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the high severity and potential impact necessitate proactive mitigation. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against European organizations given the geopolitical climate and increasing cyber espionage activities in the region.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches or updates as soon as they are released to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Restrict local access to Windows Server 2022 systems, especially limiting Bluetooth service usage and access to authorized personnel only. 3. Disable the Windows Bluetooth Service on servers where Bluetooth functionality is not required to reduce the attack surface. 4. Implement strict access controls and auditing on servers to detect and respond to unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring anomalous behavior related to memory corruption or privilege escalation. 6. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on local privilege escalation vectors. 7. Educate system administrators and users about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of minimizing unnecessary service exposure. 8. Use application whitelisting and least privilege principles to limit the impact of potential exploits. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from any successful exploitation.