Microsoft has patched a critical flaw in its Remote Desktop Client that could allow attackers to execute malicious code on victims’ systems.
Disclosed on October 14, 2025, as CVE-2025-58718, the vulnerability stems from a use-after-free error, earning an “Important” severity rating.
While not yet exploited in the wild, security experts warn that it poses a significant risk to Windows users relying on remote access tools.
The flaw affects the Remote Desktop Client, a core component for connecting to remote machines. An unauthorized attacker could leverage it over a network by tricking a user into connecting to a malicious RDP server.
Windows Remote Desktop Client RCE Vulnerability
Once connected, the server exploits the use-after-free bug to run arbitrary code in the user’s context, potentially leading to full system compromise.
This requires user interaction, such as clicking a phishing link or accepting a bogus connection, but demands no privileges from the attacker.
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) rates it at 8.8 out of 10, highlighting high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Attack Vector | Network |
| Attack Complexity | Low |
| Privileges Required | None |
| User Interaction | Required |
| Scope | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High |
| Integrity | High |
| Availability | High |
| Exploit Maturity | Unproven |
Microsoft classifies exploitation as “less likely” due to the need for port redirection, which is disabled by default.
Users should apply the October 2025 Patch Tuesday updates immediately to mitigate risks. Enable automatic updates and avoid connecting to untrusted RDP servers.
For organizations, segmenting networks and training on phishing awareness can further reduce exposure. As remote work persists, this vulnerability underscores the ongoing need for vigilant endpoint security.
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