CVE-2025-24991 is a medium-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability that affects Microsoft Windows NTFS. This vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to disclose sensitive information locally, posing significant risks to organizations reliant on affected Windows systems. The vulnerability was published on March 11, 2025, and has a CVSS score of 5.5, indicating a moderate level of risk.
Organizations leveraging Windows 10 and Windows Server versions are particularly at risk. The potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data necessitates immediate attention. The vulnerability is characterized by its exploitability via a local attack vector, requiring low attack complexity and no privileges, but necessitating user interaction.
Given the nature of this vulnerability, it is crucial for organizations to prioritize patching. Microsoft has provided guidance for remediation, and organizations should align their patch management processes accordingly. The urgency of addressing this vulnerability cannot be overstated.
Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures to monitor for potential exploitation attempts. Continuous vigilance is essential in ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125, which refers to out-of-bounds read errors. The official description states that this vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to disclose information locally. The affected products include various versions of Windows 10 (1507, 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2) and Windows 11 (22H2, 23H2, 24H2), alongside multiple versions of Windows Server.
With a CVSS score of 5.5, the severity is considered medium. The attack vector is local, and while it requires user interaction, the complexity remains low. There are no integrity or availability impacts associated with this vulnerability, but the confidentiality impact is rated as high.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-24991 lies in the out-of-bounds read condition within the NTFS file system. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability by utilizing local access to the affected system. While no privileges are required, user interaction is necessary to trigger the vulnerability, making it imperative for users to remain vigilant.
The attack complexity is low, presenting a feasible risk for exploitation. Confidentiality impacts are significant, as attackers could access sensitive information, while integrity and availability remain unaffected. Organizations must ensure that their security measures effectively mitigate the potential for such exploits.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance violations. The blast radius may extend to all users of the affected systems, particularly in environments where local access is feasible. Given the CVSS score and inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The EPSS score of 0.01459 indicates a low probability of exploitation in the wild, but the potential impact of successful exploitation remains high. Organizations must assess their risk posture and address this vulnerability within their normal patching cycles.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows, including Windows 10 (1507, 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2), Windows 11 (22H2, 23H2, 24H2), and several Windows Server releases (2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025). Organizations should ensure they are running versions patched against CVE-2025-24991.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Microsoft to mitigate this vulnerability. If patches are unavailable, recommendations include following applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services and considering discontinuation of the affected product. For comprehensive protection, organizations may also consider engaging in penetration testing to identify potential weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. Key indicators include unexpected access to sensitive files, unauthorized changes to file permissions, or attempts to access NTFS directly. Implementing robust logging and monitoring practices is critical to detect and respond to potential incidents.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2025-24991 highlights the ongoing challenges organizations face with local vulnerabilities in widely deployed operating systems. It underscores the importance of maintaining a robust patch management process and the need for continuous security assessments. Organizations should consider implementing a proactive vulnerability management program to effectively manage their security posture.
The trend of vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-24991 emphasizes the necessity for organizations to invest in penetration testing methodology that evolves with emerging threats. By understanding the vulnerabilities present in their systems, organizations can better defend against potential exploits.
To strengthen defenses, organizations should also engage in cloud security assessments to ensure their cloud deployments are resilient against such vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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