CVE Alert: CVE-2025-54102 – Microsoft – Windows 10 Version 1809

Risk verdict

High severity local privilege escalation risk with no current exploitation activity indicated; patch promptly for all affected Windows variants.

Why this matters

Allows an authorised attacker to escalate to SYSTEM, enabling full access to sensitive data and functions. Given the broad contact surface across client and server Windows editions, an adversary with local foothold could enable persistence and prepare for lateral movement within the environment.

Most likely attack path

Exploitation requires local access with low privileges and no user interaction, making initial compromise the primary barrier. Once on a host, an attacker could trigger memory-corruption resulting in privilege elevation within the Windows Connected Devices Platform Service, providing SYSTEM-level control and potential further abuse of adjacent services and data.

Who is most exposed

Enterprise endpoints and servers running affected Windows builds (10/11 and Server versions) with the platform service enabled are at risk, including systems with Server Core installations and newer 22H2/23H2 branches.

Detection ideas

• Monitor for unusual service process spawning or crashes related to the Windows Connected Devices Platform Service.
• Alert on unexpected privilege escalation attempts or creation of SYSTEM-level processes originating from the platform service.
• Look for anomalous memory allocation patterns or crash dumps tied to the service.
• Increased local authentication attempts or anomalous token manipulation events preceding escalation.

Mitigation and prioritisation

• Apply the available Microsoft patch across all affected builds; verify deployment in a controlled pilot before broad rollout.
• If patching is delayed, restrict the service and its accounts to the minimum required privileges; consider disabling the feature or isolating the service where feasible.
• Enable enhanced EDR/EDR-like protections, application control, and memory-safety mitigations; enforce strict access controls on the service account.
• Schedule coordinated patch windows and asset inventory reviews to ensure full coverage across all affected SKUs.