CVE-2025-62468 is a vulnerability classified as CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) affecting the Windows Defender Firewall Service in Microsoft Windows 11 version 22H3 (build 10.0.22631.0). This flaw allows an authorized attacker with local access and low privileges to read memory beyond intended boundaries, potentially disclosing sensitive information stored in memory. The vulnerability arises due to insufficient bounds checking within the firewall service's code, which processes data structures or inputs without properly validating their size or limits. Exploitation requires local access and privileges but no user interaction, making it a local information disclosure vulnerability. The flaw does not allow modification of data or denial of service but can leak confidential information, which could be leveraged for further attacks or privilege escalation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating medium severity with a high impact on confidentiality but no impact on integrity or availability. No public exploits or proof-of-concept codes are currently known, and no patches have been released yet. The vulnerability was reserved in October 2025 and published in December 2025. Organizations using Windows 11 22H3 should monitor for updates and prepare to deploy patches promptly. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in critical security components like firewall services.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-62468 is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information on affected Windows 11 systems. An attacker with authorized local access can exploit this vulnerability to read memory contents beyond intended boundaries, potentially exposing confidential data such as cryptographic keys, credentials, or other sensitive information held in memory by the firewall service or related components. While the vulnerability does not allow modification of data or disruption of service, the leaked information could facilitate further attacks, including privilege escalation or lateral movement within an organization’s network. The requirement for local access limits the attack surface, but insider threats or compromised low-privilege accounts could leverage this flaw. Organizations with high-value data or critical infrastructure relying on Windows 11 22H3 may face increased risk of data breaches or espionage. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat once exploit code becomes available. Overall, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk to confidentiality with limited impact on system integrity and availability.

To mitigate CVE-2025-62468, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Restrict local access to Windows 11 systems running version 22H3, ensuring only trusted users have login privileges, thereby reducing the risk of exploitation by unauthorized personnel. 2) Apply the principle of least privilege rigorously, limiting user and service permissions to the minimum necessary to operate, which reduces the potential for an attacker to gain the required access level. 3) Monitor local system activity and audit logs for unusual or unauthorized access attempts, particularly related to the Windows Defender Firewall Service. 4) Once Microsoft releases a security patch addressing this vulnerability, prioritize its deployment across all affected systems to eliminate the flaw. 5) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous local behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. 6) Educate system administrators and users about the risks of local privilege misuse and encourage strong authentication and access controls. 7) Consider network segmentation to isolate critical systems, limiting the ability of an attacker to move laterally even if local access is obtained. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on reducing local attack vectors and preparing for timely patch application.