CVE-2025-60703 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-822 (Untrusted Pointer Dereference) affecting Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, specifically build 10.0.17763.0. The flaw exists in the Windows Remote Desktop service, where improper validation and handling of pointers allow an attacker who already has some level of authorized local access to dereference untrusted pointers. This can lead to arbitrary code execution or manipulation of system memory, enabling privilege escalation from a limited user to SYSTEM or equivalent high-privilege accounts. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and has a low attack complexity, but it does require the attacker to have local privileges. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and assigned a CVE ID. The flaw could be exploited to bypass security boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to install programs, view or modify data, or create new accounts with full user rights. The root cause is a failure to properly validate pointers before dereferencing them in the Remote Desktop component, a critical service used widely in enterprise environments for remote access and management.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-60703 is significant due to the widespread use of Windows 10 Version 1809 in enterprise and industrial environments. Successful exploitation could allow attackers with limited local access—such as employees, contractors, or malware that has gained initial foothold—to escalate privileges and gain full control over affected systems. This can lead to data breaches, disruption of critical services, and lateral movement within networks. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies that rely on Remote Desktop for remote administration or teleworking are particularly at risk. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means sensitive data could be exposed or altered, and system availability could be compromised. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability's public disclosure increases the risk of future exploitation attempts, especially in environments where patching is delayed or where legacy systems remain in use.

1. Apply security patches from Microsoft immediately once they become available for Windows 10 Version 1809 to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are deployed, restrict local access to systems running this Windows version, limiting who can log in locally or via Remote Desktop. 3. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on Remote Desktop services to detect unusual privilege escalation attempts or suspicious local activity. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. 5. Consider upgrading affected systems to a more recent and supported Windows version where this vulnerability is not present. 6. Conduct regular audits of user privileges and remove unnecessary local accounts or rights that could be leveraged by attackers. 7. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of timely patching and secure Remote Desktop usage.