CVE-2025-62205 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, specifically in Microsoft Word version 16.0.1. A use-after-free flaw occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after the memory it points to has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that attackers can exploit to execute arbitrary code. In this case, an attacker can craft a malicious Word document that, when opened by a user, triggers the vulnerability allowing local code execution without requiring prior privileges. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with the vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning the attack requires local access and user interaction but no privileges, and can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability fully. The vulnerability is currently published but no patches or known exploits are reported yet. The exploitability is moderate due to the need for user interaction but remains a serious threat given the ubiquity of Microsoft Word in enterprise environments. The vulnerability could be leveraged to install malware, escalate privileges, or disrupt operations. The absence of patches necessitates immediate risk mitigation strategies to prevent exploitation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-62205 is significant due to the widespread deployment of Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise across various sectors including government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, data breaches, ransomware deployment, and operational disruption. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers could access sensitive documents; integrity is compromised through potential unauthorized code execution and data manipulation; availability could be affected by malware or denial-of-service conditions. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious document) means phishing campaigns or social engineering could be effective attack vectors. Given the reliance on Microsoft Office for daily operations, exploitation could cause substantial business interruption and reputational damage. The threat is exacerbated in environments with lax endpoint security or insufficient user awareness training.

Since no official patches are currently available, European organizations should implement layered defenses. First, enforce strict application control policies to restrict execution of unauthorized code and macros within Microsoft Word. Employ advanced email filtering and attachment sandboxing to detect and block malicious documents before reaching end users. Increase user awareness training focused on phishing and safe document handling practices. Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Limit local user privileges to reduce the impact of successful code execution. Network segmentation can help contain potential breaches. Once Microsoft releases patches, prioritize rapid deployment across all affected systems. Additionally, consider disabling or restricting features in Word that are not essential but could be exploited, such as embedded scripting or ActiveX controls. Regularly review and update incident response plans to address potential exploitation scenarios.