CVE-2025-62565 is a use-after-free vulnerability categorized under CWE-416, affecting the Windows Shell component in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use a pointer after the memory it points to has been freed, leading to undefined behavior including potential code execution or privilege escalation. In this case, an authorized local attacker can exploit this flaw to elevate privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have local access and some user interaction, such as running a crafted application or triggering a specific shell operation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.3, indicating high severity, with vector metrics showing low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), and user interaction (UI:R). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning successful exploitation could allow full control over the system. No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability has been officially published and reserved since October 2025. The lack of patches means organizations must rely on mitigations and monitoring until updates are released. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments still running Windows 10 Version 1809, which is an older release with diminishing support. Attackers exploiting this flaw could bypass security controls and gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to lateral movement, data theft, or system disruption.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-62565 can be significant, especially in sectors relying on legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems. Successful exploitation allows local attackers to escalate privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and the ability to deploy further malware or ransomware. Organizations with shared or multi-user environments, such as universities, government agencies, and enterprises with large internal networks, are at higher risk. The vulnerability undermines the security boundary between standard users and administrators, increasing the attack surface for insider threats or compromised user accounts. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, exploitation could lead to regulatory compliance issues under GDPR if personal data is exposed. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but also means attackers may develop exploits rapidly once details are publicized. European organizations must assess their exposure based on their Windows 10 1809 deployment and prioritize remediation to avoid potential breaches.

1. Restrict local access: Limit the number of users with local login rights on Windows 10 Version 1809 systems to reduce the attack surface. 2. Apply principle of least privilege: Ensure users operate with the minimum privileges necessary to perform their tasks, reducing the impact of privilege escalation. 3. Monitor for suspicious activity: Implement advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect unusual privilege escalation attempts or anomalous shell behavior. 4. Employ application control: Use tools like Microsoft AppLocker or Windows Defender Application Control to prevent execution of unauthorized or suspicious applications. 5. Enable memory protection features: Utilize Windows security features such as Control Flow Guard (CFG) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) to mitigate exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. 6. Prepare for patch deployment: Stay informed on Microsoft security advisories and apply official patches immediately upon release. 7. Consider upgrading: Plan to upgrade systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a supported, more secure version to reduce exposure to legacy vulnerabilities. 8. Network segmentation: Isolate critical systems running legacy OS versions to contain potential compromises. 9. User training: Educate users about the risks of running untrusted applications and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on reducing local attack vectors and enhancing detection capabilities specific to privilege escalation via Windows Shell.