CVE-2025-64679 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Windows Desktop Window Manager (DWM) Core Library component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 17763.0). The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory buffers on the heap, which can be exploited by an attacker with authorized local access to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Specifically, an attacker with limited privileges can trigger this overflow to corrupt memory, potentially leading to privilege escalation to SYSTEM level. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector local, low attack complexity, and privileges required being low. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, as successful exploitation could allow full control over the affected system. Currently, there are no known public exploits or patches available, but the vulnerability has been officially published and reserved in the CVE database. This vulnerability affects legacy Windows 10 installations, which remain in use in many enterprise environments due to compatibility or upgrade constraints. The lack of a patch necessitates proactive mitigation to reduce attack surface and prevent exploitation by malicious insiders or attackers who have gained limited local access.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-64679 is significant due to the potential for local privilege escalation leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and potential lateral movement within networks. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly at risk because of the sensitive nature of their data and the criticality of their operations. The vulnerability affects Windows 10 Version 1809, which, despite being an older release, remains in use in some enterprises due to legacy application dependencies or delayed upgrade cycles. Exploitation could undermine trust in IT systems, cause regulatory compliance issues under GDPR due to data breaches, and lead to costly incident response and remediation efforts. The absence of a patch increases the window of exposure, making timely mitigation essential to protect European digital assets.

1. Restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 by enforcing strict physical and network access controls to prevent unauthorized users from gaining local access. 2. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block attempts to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities. 3. Monitor system and security logs for unusual activity indicative of privilege escalation attempts, such as unexpected process launches or access to sensitive system components. 4. Expedite plans to upgrade affected systems to a supported and patched Windows version, as this vulnerability affects an older OS release. 5. Employ least privilege principles to minimize the number of users with local access rights that could trigger the vulnerability. 6. Prepare to deploy security updates promptly once Microsoft releases a patch, including testing in controlled environments to ensure compatibility. 7. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of reporting suspicious activity immediately.