CVE-2025-62555 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 affecting Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016 (version 16.0.0). The vulnerability arises from improper memory management in the Microsoft Office Word component integrated with SharePoint, where a freed memory object is accessed again, leading to undefined behavior. This flaw can be exploited by an unauthorized attacker with local access to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The attack requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious document or triggering a specific action within SharePoint that invokes the vulnerable Word component. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) indicates that the attack complexity is high, no privileges are required, but user interaction is necessary, and the scope remains unchanged. Successful exploitation can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or disrupt services. No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability is officially published and reserved since October 2025. The vulnerability is significant due to the widespread use of SharePoint in enterprise environments for document management and collaboration, making it a critical target for attackers aiming to gain footholds in corporate networks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-62555 could be substantial, especially for those relying heavily on Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016 for document management and collaboration. Exploitation could lead to local code execution, enabling attackers to compromise sensitive corporate data, disrupt business operations, or pivot to other network segments. Confidentiality breaches could expose intellectual property or personal data, violating GDPR regulations and resulting in legal and financial penalties. Integrity and availability impacts could disrupt critical workflows, causing operational downtime and reputational damage. Given the high attack complexity and requirement for local access and user interaction, the threat is more pronounced in environments with lax endpoint security or insufficient user training. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using SharePoint extensively may face increased risk if endpoint devices are not adequately secured.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply patches immediately once released for SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016. 2. Restrict local access to SharePoint servers and enforce strict access controls and least privilege principles to minimize unauthorized local interactions. 3. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to detect and block exploitation attempts involving malicious documents or code execution. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening untrusted documents or links within SharePoint environments to reduce the likelihood of triggering the vulnerability. 5. Employ network segmentation to isolate SharePoint servers from less trusted network zones and limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 6. Regularly audit and monitor SharePoint logs and system behavior for anomalies indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Consider upgrading to newer supported versions of SharePoint with improved security postures if feasible.