CVE-2025-59290: CWE-416: Use After Free in Microsoft Windows Server 2022
Use after free in Windows Bluetooth Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-59290 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416, affecting the Windows Bluetooth Service component in Microsoft Windows Server 2022 (build 10.0.20348.0). The vulnerability arises due to improper memory management where the service attempts to use memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that can be exploited by an attacker. An authorized local attacker with limited privileges can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode or escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, thereby gaining full control over the affected server. The attack vector requires local access but no user interaction, making it easier to exploit once local access is obtained. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability does not currently have publicly known exploits in the wild, but the presence of a use-after-free bug in a critical service like Bluetooth indicates a strong potential for future exploitation. The Bluetooth Service runs with elevated privileges and is a common component in Windows Server environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise and data center deployments. Microsoft has not yet released patches, but organizations should prepare to deploy updates promptly. The vulnerability's exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or disrupt critical services running on Windows Server 2022.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to server infrastructure security, especially in sectors relying heavily on Windows Server 2022 such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, enabling attackers to access sensitive data, manipulate system configurations, or disrupt service availability. This could result in data breaches, operational downtime, regulatory non-compliance, and reputational damage. Given the local access requirement, insider threats or attackers who have already compromised lower-privileged accounts could leverage this vulnerability to gain full control. The impact is amplified in environments where Windows Server 2022 is used for domain controllers, file servers, or application servers. Additionally, the Bluetooth service is often overlooked in server hardening, potentially increasing exposure. The lack of current public exploits provides a window for mitigation, but the high severity score demands immediate attention to prevent exploitation in European enterprises.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Apply patches promptly once Microsoft releases updates addressing CVE-2025-59290. 2. Restrict local user access on Windows Server 2022 systems to only trusted administrators and service accounts. 3. Disable the Bluetooth service on servers where it is not required to reduce the attack surface. 4. Implement strict access control policies and monitor local account activities for unusual behavior related to Bluetooth service usage. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts. 6. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans focusing on Windows Server configurations. 7. Employ application whitelisting and kernel integrity monitoring to prevent unauthorized code execution. 8. Educate system administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of limiting local access. 9. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical servers and limit lateral movement opportunities. 10. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland
CVE-2025-59290: CWE-416: Use After Free in Microsoft Windows Server 2022
Description
Use after free in Windows Bluetooth Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-59290 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416, affecting the Windows Bluetooth Service component in Microsoft Windows Server 2022 (build 10.0.20348.0). The vulnerability arises due to improper memory management where the service attempts to use memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that can be exploited by an attacker. An authorized local attacker with limited privileges can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode or escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, thereby gaining full control over the affected server. The attack vector requires local access but no user interaction, making it easier to exploit once local access is obtained. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability does not currently have publicly known exploits in the wild, but the presence of a use-after-free bug in a critical service like Bluetooth indicates a strong potential for future exploitation. The Bluetooth Service runs with elevated privileges and is a common component in Windows Server environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise and data center deployments. Microsoft has not yet released patches, but organizations should prepare to deploy updates promptly. The vulnerability's exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or disrupt critical services running on Windows Server 2022.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to server infrastructure security, especially in sectors relying heavily on Windows Server 2022 such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, enabling attackers to access sensitive data, manipulate system configurations, or disrupt service availability. This could result in data breaches, operational downtime, regulatory non-compliance, and reputational damage. Given the local access requirement, insider threats or attackers who have already compromised lower-privileged accounts could leverage this vulnerability to gain full control. The impact is amplified in environments where Windows Server 2022 is used for domain controllers, file servers, or application servers. Additionally, the Bluetooth service is often overlooked in server hardening, potentially increasing exposure. The lack of current public exploits provides a window for mitigation, but the high severity score demands immediate attention to prevent exploitation in European enterprises.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Apply patches promptly once Microsoft releases updates addressing CVE-2025-59290. 2. Restrict local user access on Windows Server 2022 systems to only trusted administrators and service accounts. 3. Disable the Bluetooth service on servers where it is not required to reduce the attack surface. 4. Implement strict access control policies and monitor local account activities for unusual behavior related to Bluetooth service usage. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts. 6. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans focusing on Windows Server configurations. 7. Employ application whitelisting and kernel integrity monitoring to prevent unauthorized code execution. 8. Educate system administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of limiting local access. 9. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical servers and limit lateral movement opportunities. 10. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises.
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2025-09-11T19:36:03.690Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 68ee85903dd1bfb0b7e42396
Added to database: 10/14/2025, 5:17:04 PM
Last enriched: 10/14/2025, 5:33:41 PM
Last updated: 10/16/2025, 8:31:46 AM
Views: 7
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