External risk intelligence

Windows Hyper-V Privilege Escalation Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2025-21333

A vulnerability in Windows Hyper-V's NT Kernel Integration VSP allows local attackers to elevate privileges. This could result in unauthorized system control and data compromise, posing a business risk.

1Halo Surface Signal

Microsoft Windows 10 21h2

before 10.0.19044.5371before 10.0.19045.5371before 10.0.22621.4751before 10.0.22631.4751before 10.0.26100.2894before 10.0.25398.1369

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2025-21333

This vulnerability resides within the Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel Integration VSP, which operates at the local kernel level. It requires a local attacker to already have access to the system to exploit, making it inherently local and not reachable via public internet services.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability exists in Windows Hyper-V, specifically within the NT Kernel Integration VSP. This flaw could allow an attacker with local access to gain elevated privileges on the affected system. The primary impact is the potential for unauthorized access and control over the host operating system.

  • Vulnerable component: Windows Hyper-V
  • Core weakness: Privilege escalation
  • Main business impact: Unauthorized system control

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker with local access to elevate their privileges within a Windows environment. The attack targets a weakness in the Windows Hyper-V integration service. Successful exploitation could lead to an attacker gaining elevated control over the affected system, impacting system integrity and confidentiality.

  • Local access required.
  • Attacker triggers vulnerability.
  • Control is elevated.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability exists in Windows Hyper-V that could allow an attacker with local access to gain elevated privileges. This could lead to significant damage to affected systems. The threat is considered urgent and requires immediate attention.

  • Attackers need local access.
  • Exploitation difficulty is low.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability affects Windows Hyper-V's NT Kernel Integration VSP, allowing local attackers to elevate privileges. The potential impact includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and system control, posing a significant business risk. Prompt action is necessary to mitigate these risks.

  • Identify all Windows systems with Hyper-V.
  • Apply vendor security updates.
  • Verify fix implementation.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel Integration VSP, and what vulnerability does it contain?

The Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel Integration VSP is a component of Microsoft's Hyper-V virtualization platform that facilitates host-VM communication. CVE-2025-21333 is a privilege escalation vulnerability within this component, allowing a local attacker to gain higher-level permissions.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2025-21333 exploit in Hyper-V?

CVE-2025-21333 exploits a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) in the Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel Integration VSP. This weakness allows a local attacker to elevate their privileges to the SYSTEM level.

How is CVE-2025-21333 triggered, and what is the scope of its impact?

This vulnerability requires local access to the affected system, meaning an attacker must already have some level of presence. Upon successful exploitation, an attacker can gain elevated control over the host operating system, impacting confidentiality and integrity. The scope is local to the system.

What is the significance of CVE-2025-21333, according to the Halo Surface Signal?

Halo classifies this CVE as 'Very unlikely' to be exploited remotely, as it resides within the local kernel level of Windows Hyper-V and requires prior local system access.

What practical steps can be taken to address the Hyper-V privilege escalation vulnerability?

To address this vulnerability, it is recommended to identify all Windows systems utilizing Hyper-V, apply the security updates provided by Microsoft, and verify the successful implementation of these fixes. Continuous monitoring for suspicious activity is also advised.

References