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 memory after it has been freed, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. 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 authentication or elevated privileges. The vulnerability requires user interaction, such as opening or previewing a malicious document, to be exploited. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 indicates a high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and user interaction required (UI:R). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning an attacker could fully compromise the affected system. No public exploits are known at this time, but the vulnerability is published and should be addressed promptly. The absence of patch links suggests that a fix may be forthcoming or in development. Given Microsoft 365's extensive deployment in enterprise environments, this vulnerability represents a significant risk if exploited.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-62205 is substantial due to the widespread use of Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise across various sectors including government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data breaches, disruption of business operations, and potential lateral movement within networks. Confidential information could be exposed or altered, and availability of critical services could be disrupted. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to deliver malicious documents. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations handling sensitive or regulated data under GDPR and other compliance frameworks. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation before active attacks emerge.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches or updates for Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise as soon as they are released. 2. Implement strict application control policies to restrict execution of unauthorized or suspicious documents and macros. 3. Employ advanced email filtering and sandboxing solutions to detect and block malicious attachments before reaching end users. 4. Conduct targeted user awareness training focusing on the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected Word documents. 5. Disable or limit the use of macros and embedded content in Word documents where possible. 6. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Enforce the principle of least privilege to limit the impact of potential local code execution. 8. Regularly back up critical data and verify recovery procedures to minimize disruption in case of compromise.