CVE Alert: CVE-2025-59511 – Microsoft – Windows 10 Version 1809

Risk verdict

High risk of local privilege escalation via Windows WLAN Service; exploitation state is uncertain, but the potential impact warrants prompt remediation.

Why this matters

If an attacker can trigger the vulnerability, they could elevate privileges locally and target other assets on the same host. The issue affects a broad set of Windows desktop and server releases, expanding the potential blast radius across endpoints and server roles.

Most likely attack path

Exploitation requires local access with low complexity and no user interaction. An attacker could manipulate the file name or path used by the WLAN service so it loads an attacker-controlled file, executing with high privileges. This enables covert code execution within the service context and could facilitate further compromise or lateral movement using the host’s credentials.

Who is most exposed

Typical exposure is in organisations with widespread Windows deployments of client OS and Server variants listed, including enterprise desktops, servers (including Server Core), and virtualised/Cloud images where WLAN service is active or enabled.

Detection ideas

• Monitor for attempts to load files from unusual or user-controlled directories by the WLAN Service.
• Look for unexpected file path or name patterns tied to WLAN-related processes.
• Detect anomalous service startup or module loading events involving WLAN services.
• Correlate rare privilege escalations or new process trees originating from WLAN service processes.
• Audit changes to WLAN service configuration or dependencies.

Mitigation and prioritisation

• Apply the official Microsoft security update across all affected OS versions; verify patch success in test and production.
• If patching is delayed, implement compensating controls: restrict access to directories loaded by WLAN service, enable least-privilege for the service, and enforce application whitelisting.
• Validate change-management and rollback plans; document asset coverage and patch status.
• If KEV is confirmed or EPSS ≥ 0.5, treat as priority 1. If KEV/EPSS data is unavailable, proceed with standard remediation urgency.