CVE-2025-62462 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-126 (Buffer Over-read) affecting the Windows Projected File System (ProjFS) in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The flaw is due to insufficient bounds checking within the ProjFS component, which allows an authorized local attacker to read memory beyond the intended buffer limits. This memory disclosure can be leveraged to elevate privileges locally by accessing sensitive data or manipulating system state, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have some level of local access (low privileges). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local, with low attack complexity and low privileges required, but no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where Windows 10 1809 remains in use, as ProjFS is a core system component used for projecting file system data, and exploitation could undermine system security controls. No official patches or mitigations have been linked yet, indicating organizations must monitor vendor updates closely.

The impact of CVE-2025-62462 on European organizations is significant, especially for those still operating Windows 10 Version 1809 in production environments. Successful exploitation allows local attackers to escalate privileges, potentially gaining SYSTEM-level access. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification or deletion of critical files, and disruption of system availability. In sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, such privilege escalation could facilitate lateral movement, data breaches, ransomware deployment, or sabotage. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, organizations face risks of regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), reputational damage, and operational downtime. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the vulnerability's characteristics suggest it could be weaponized rapidly once exploit code becomes available.

1. Immediately inventory and identify all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0) within the organization. 2. Apply official security patches from Microsoft as soon as they are released; monitor Microsoft Security Update Guide and trusted sources for updates. 3. Until patches are available, restrict local access to affected systems by enforcing strict user account controls and limiting administrative privileges. 4. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts. 5. Use Group Policy to restrict or disable the use of Projected File System features if feasible in the environment. 6. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments focusing on legacy Windows systems. 7. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of minimizing local access. 8. Consider upgrading affected systems to a supported, more recent Windows version where this vulnerability is not present.