CVE-2025-7676 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows 11 running on ARM64 CPU architecture. The issue is a DLL hijacking vulnerability categorized under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element). Specifically, all PE32 executables on vulnerable Windows 11 ARM64 systems attempt to load base DLLs from the application directory, which is non-standard behavior. This allows an attacker who can place a malicious DLL in the same directory as a targeted executable to have that DLL loaded and executed with the privileges of the running process. The vulnerability arises because the search path for DLLs includes the application directory for base DLLs that normally would not be loaded from there, enabling code execution through DLL planting. This flaw is present in all versions of Windows 11 for ARM CPUs prior to the 24H2 release, where it has been fixed. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.4, reflecting a medium severity level. The vector indicates that exploitation requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), privileges (PR:L), and user interaction (UI:A). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (VC:H, VI:H, VA:H), but the scope is unchanged (S: N). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. This vulnerability is significant because ARM64 Windows 11 devices are increasingly common, especially in mobile and lightweight computing environments, and DLL hijacking can lead to privilege escalation and persistent code execution if exploited.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-7676 depends on the adoption rate of Windows 11 ARM64 devices within their IT environments. Organizations using ARM64 Windows 11 devices, such as in mobile workstations, tablets, or specialized embedded systems, face risks of local attackers or malicious insiders planting DLLs to execute arbitrary code. This could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or disruption of services. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments where users may run untrusted executables or where attackers have physical or remote desktop access. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means successful exploitation could compromise sensitive data and system stability. European organizations with strict regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR) must consider the potential for data breaches and operational disruptions. Additionally, sectors with high security needs such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure could be particularly affected if ARM64 Windows 11 devices are in use.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Prioritize upgrading all Windows 11 ARM64 devices to version 24H2 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2) Implement strict application whitelisting and code signing policies to prevent execution of unauthorized DLLs and executables. 3) Restrict write permissions on directories containing executables to prevent attackers from planting malicious DLLs. 4) Educate users about the risks of running untrusted applications and the importance of avoiding execution from untrusted directories. 5) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting suspicious DLL loading behaviors and lateral movement attempts. 6) Regularly audit systems for unauthorized DLLs in application directories. 7) Limit local administrative privileges to reduce the ability of attackers to place malicious files. These steps go beyond generic patching advice by focusing on controlling the environment and user behavior to reduce the attack surface and potential for exploitation.