CVE-2025-60709 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability classified under CWE-125 found in the Windows Common Log File System Driver component of Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0). This vulnerability allows a local attacker with authorized access to the system to read memory outside the intended bounds, which can lead to elevation of privileges. The flaw arises because the driver improperly validates input or memory boundaries when handling log file system operations, enabling attackers to access or manipulate memory regions that should be inaccessible. Exploiting this vulnerability does not require user interaction and has low attack complexity, but it does require the attacker to have local privileges, such as a standard user account. Successful exploitation can result in full compromise of system confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as the attacker can escalate privileges to SYSTEM level. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8, indicating high severity. No patches or mitigations have been released at the time of publication, but Microsoft is likely to issue updates given the critical nature of the flaw. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple users have local access or where attackers may gain initial foothold through other means and then leverage this flaw for privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects only Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0), so organizations running this specific build are at risk. The Common Log File System Driver is a core component, making this vulnerability impactful across a broad range of Windows 11 deployments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Windows 11 in enterprise and government environments. Successful exploitation can lead to attackers gaining SYSTEM-level privileges, enabling them to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt critical services. This is especially critical for sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy, and government agencies that rely heavily on Windows 11 systems. The local attack vector means that insider threats or attackers who have gained initial access through phishing or other means can escalate privileges rapidly. The lack of user interaction requirement increases the risk of automated or stealthy exploitation once local access is obtained. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in multi-tenant or shared environments where users have local accounts, increasing the attack surface. The absence of patches at the time of disclosure means organizations must rely on compensating controls to mitigate risk until updates are available.

1. Restrict local access to Windows 11 Version 25H2 systems by enforcing strict user account control policies and limiting the number of users with local login privileges. 2. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious activities related to privilege escalation attempts. 3. Use Group Policy to enforce least privilege principles and disable unnecessary local accounts or services that could be leveraged by attackers. 4. Monitor system logs and audit events for unusual access patterns or attempts to interact with the Common Log File System Driver. 5. Prepare for rapid deployment of Microsoft patches once released by testing updates in controlled environments and scheduling prompt rollouts. 6. Employ network segmentation to isolate critical systems and reduce the risk of lateral movement following local compromise. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of maintaining updated systems. 8. Consider using virtualization-based security features available in Windows 11 to add additional protection layers against kernel-level exploits.