CVE-2025-64658 is a race condition vulnerability classified under CWE-362, affecting Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The flaw exists in the Windows Shell component, where concurrent execution of shared resources is improperly synchronized, leading to a race condition. This allows an attacker with local, low-level privileges and requiring user interaction to exploit the vulnerability to elevate their privileges. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability due to the scope change, enabling the attacker to gain higher system privileges and potentially execute arbitrary code or disrupt system operations. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.5 (high severity), with attack vector local, attack complexity high, privileges required low, user interaction required, and scope changed. No patches or known exploits are currently available, indicating a window of exposure for affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 remains in use, often due to legacy application dependencies or delayed upgrade cycles. The improper synchronization in Windows Shell suggests a fundamental flaw in handling concurrent resource access, which could be leveraged to bypass security controls and escalate privileges.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-64658 can be significant, especially in sectors relying on legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems. Successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation, allowing attackers to gain administrative control, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or deploy malware. This threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems. Industries such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies that often maintain legacy systems for compatibility reasons are at heightened risk. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, particularly in environments with many users or shared workstations. The lack of patches increases exposure time, potentially inviting targeted attacks. Additionally, the scope change means that an initially limited compromise can escalate to full system control, amplifying the damage potential. European organizations with strict regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR) may face compliance and reputational risks if this vulnerability is exploited.

1. Restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 by enforcing strict physical and network access controls. 2. Implement least privilege principles rigorously, ensuring users operate with minimal necessary permissions to reduce exploitation potential. 3. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted content or executing unknown applications, as user interaction is required for exploitation. 4. Monitor local system activities for unusual behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts, using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools. 5. Where possible, accelerate migration to supported Windows versions with active security updates to eliminate exposure to this vulnerability. 6. Employ application whitelisting and restrict execution of unauthorized binaries to limit attack surface. 7. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing local privilege escalation scenarios. 8. Stay alert for official patches or mitigations from Microsoft and apply them promptly upon release.