CVE-2025-62472 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-908 (Use of Uninitialized Resource) found in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, specifically in the Windows Remote Access Connection Manager component. The flaw arises because the software uses a resource that has not been properly initialized before use, which can lead to unpredictable behavior exploitable by an attacker. An authorized local attacker can leverage this vulnerability to elevate their privileges on the affected system, potentially gaining SYSTEM-level access. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, making it easier to exploit once local access is obtained. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and requiring only privileges already granted to the attacker. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the lack of patches at the time of publication increases the risk for organizations still running this legacy Windows version. The vulnerability's exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or disrupt system operations. The affected version 10.0.17763.0 corresponds to Windows 10 Enterprise and Professional editions released in late 2018, which remain in use in some enterprise environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper resource initialization in system components handling remote access, as flaws here can lead to significant privilege escalation risks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-62472 can be substantial, especially for those still operating Windows 10 Version 1809 in critical environments such as government, finance, healthcare, and industrial control systems. Successful exploitation allows attackers with local access to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, potentially leading to full system compromise, data breaches, disruption of services, and lateral movement within networks. This can undermine confidentiality of sensitive data, integrity of system configurations and applications, and availability of critical services. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations that rely on remote access technologies for operational continuity, as the affected component is the Remote Access Connection Manager. Although exploitation requires local access, this can be achieved through other means such as phishing, physical access, or exploiting other vulnerabilities, making this a valuable escalation vector for attackers. The absence of patches at the time of disclosure increases exposure, especially in environments with slow update cycles or legacy system dependencies. The overall risk is amplified in sectors with high regulatory requirements and where downtime or data loss can have severe legal and financial consequences.

1. Restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 by enforcing strict access controls and limiting administrative privileges to trusted personnel only. 2. Implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts or suspicious activity related to the Remote Access Connection Manager. 3. Use application whitelisting and least privilege principles to reduce the attack surface and prevent unauthorized code execution. 4. Disable or limit the use of Remote Access Connection Manager services where not required, reducing exposure to the vulnerable component. 5. Establish network segmentation to isolate legacy systems and minimize the impact of potential compromises. 6. Prepare for rapid deployment of patches or workarounds once Microsoft releases official updates addressing this vulnerability. 7. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments focusing on legacy Windows systems to identify and remediate similar risks. 8. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of maintaining updated systems.