CVE-2025-59294 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-200, indicating exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors. It specifically affects Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0) and involves the Windows Taskbar Live feature. The flaw allows an attacker with physical access to the device to disclose sensitive information without requiring authentication, though user interaction is necessary. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, only confidentiality, and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 2.1, reflecting its low severity. The attack vector is physical (AV:P), with low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requires user interaction (UI:R). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), and the impact is limited to confidentiality (C:L), with no impact on integrity or availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The exposure likely arises from how Windows Taskbar Live displays or caches information, which can be accessed or observed by an attacker physically present at the machine. This vulnerability highlights the importance of physical security controls and timely updates for legacy Windows systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-59294 is primarily the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information from affected Windows 10 Version 1809 devices. Since exploitation requires physical access and user interaction, the risk is mostly confined to environments where devices are accessible to unauthorized personnel, such as shared workspaces, public areas, or poorly secured offices. Confidentiality breaches could expose sensitive business or personal data, potentially leading to privacy violations or information leakage. However, the vulnerability does not compromise system integrity or availability, limiting the scope of damage. Organizations with legacy systems still running Windows 10 Version 1809, especially in sectors like government, finance, or critical infrastructure, should be cautious. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted physical attacks or insider threat scenarios.

1. Restrict physical access to devices running Windows 10 Version 1809, especially in sensitive or high-risk environments, using access controls, locked rooms, or secure storage. 2. Implement strict device usage policies to prevent unauthorized users from interacting with systems. 3. Monitor and audit physical access logs where possible to detect unauthorized presence. 4. Apply all available Microsoft updates and patches promptly once released for this vulnerability. 5. Consider upgrading affected systems to newer Windows versions that are actively supported and patched. 6. Educate users about the risks of leaving devices unattended and the importance of locking screens when not in use. 7. Use endpoint security solutions that can detect unusual physical access or user interaction patterns. 8. For highly sensitive environments, consider hardware-based protections such as Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) and full disk encryption to reduce data exposure risk.