CVE-2025-62457 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability classified under CWE-125 found in the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver component of Microsoft Windows 11 Version 25H2 (build 10.0.26200.0). The vulnerability allows an authorized local attacker to read memory outside the intended buffer boundaries, potentially leading to privilege escalation. This flaw arises due to improper bounds checking in the mini filter driver that manages cloud file synchronization and caching. Exploiting this vulnerability enables an attacker with limited local privileges to gain elevated system privileges, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts rated high on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and impact make it a significant risk once weaponized. The vulnerability affects Windows 11 Version 25H2, a widely deployed operating system in enterprise and consumer environments. The lack of a patch link indicates that remediation may still be pending, underscoring the need for vigilance and interim mitigations. This vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious insiders or attackers who have gained limited local access to escalate privileges and fully compromise affected systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-62457 is substantial due to the widespread adoption of Windows 11 Version 25H2 in both enterprise and consumer sectors. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to access sensitive data, disrupt operations, or deploy further malware with elevated privileges. Critical infrastructure, government agencies, financial institutions, and large enterprises are particularly at risk given their reliance on Windows 11 and the potential value of their data. The vulnerability's local attack vector means that insider threats or attackers who have already gained limited access could escalate privileges and bypass security controls. This elevates the risk of data breaches, ransomware deployment, and operational disruptions. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but organizations must act swiftly to prevent exploitation once weaponized. The impact extends to compliance and regulatory risks under GDPR and other European data protection laws if sensitive data is compromised.

1. Apply official Microsoft security patches immediately once they are released for Windows 11 Version 25H2 to address this vulnerability. 2. Until patches are available, restrict local access to systems by enforcing strict access controls and limiting administrative privileges to trusted personnel only. 3. Implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious local privilege escalation activities. 4. Conduct regular audits of user accounts and permissions to identify and remove unnecessary local privileges. 5. Employ application whitelisting and least privilege principles to reduce the attack surface. 6. Educate employees about the risks of insider threats and enforce policies to detect and respond to anomalous behavior. 7. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises. 8. Monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploit attempts targeting this vulnerability to enable rapid response.