CVE Alert: CVE-2025-55326 – Microsoft – Windows 10 Version 1809

Risk verdict

High risk: remote code execution via Cdpsvc with network access; exploitation plausibility is indicated by CVSS but exploitation evidence and EPSS/KEV indicators are not provided.

Why this matters

An attacker able to trigger the vulnerability through user interaction could execute arbitrary code on affected Windows hosts, potentially gaining full control, data exfiltration, or ransomware deployment. The breadth of affected OS versions across client and server editions means a large attack surface in many organisations.

Most likely attack path

Attack prerequisites include user interaction to initiate the exploit, then remote code execution over the network via the Cdpsvc service. The vulnerability has no required privileges at initial access (PR:N), but results in high-impact compromise (I:H/C:H/A:H). Lateral movement is plausible if the attacker achieves system-level code execution and the environment allows Cdpsvc-mediated actions.

Who is most exposed

Enterprise desktops and servers running any of the listed Windows versions (including current and recent Server editions) are at risk, especially where Cdpsvc is reachable from user workstations or other servers. Organisations with large Windows deployments and remote/line-of-business devices are most exposed.

Detection ideas

• Unusual Cdpsvc process activity or child process spawning.
• Memory corruption indicators, crash dumps, or repeated Cdpsvc-related failures in System/Application logs.
• Anomalous network activity involving Cdpsvc or related device-management endpoints.
• Suspicious authentication or privilege escalation events following Cdpsvc usage.
• EDR alerts for memory corruption patterns or unexpected code execution originating from system services.

Mitigation and prioritisation

• Apply the Microsoft patch/updates addressing CVE-2025-55326 on all affected builds.
• Enable automatic updates; verify patch integrity across devices.
• If patching delayed, restrict network access to Cdpsvc, segment affected systems, and limit remote hostile interaction through EDR policies.
• Strengthen monitoring: enable detailed logging for Cdpsvc, deploy application whitelisting, and conduct targeted scans for anomaly patterns.
• Plan patching in a defined maintenance window with testing on a representative subset. If KEV/EPSS data become available, adjust priority to 1 accordingly.