External risk intelligence

Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2025-24983

A vulnerability in the Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem allows an authorized local attacker to elevate privileges, potentially impacting system control and data integrity. This risk necessitates prompt remediation to protect organizational assets.

1Halo Surface Signal

Use After Free

Microsoft Windows 10 1507

before 10.0.10240.20947before 10.0.14393.7876r2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2025-24983

The vulnerability exists within the Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem and requires local access to the system to exploit, making it inherently internal and not reachable via the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability exists within the Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem. This flaw allows an authorized local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the affected system. The potential impact includes unauthorized access and control over the system, compromising data integrity and availability.

  • Vulnerable: Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem
  • Flaw: Use after free
  • Impact: Privilege escalation locally

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker with local access to an affected system to escalate their privileges. Exploitation requires the attacker to already have authenticated access to the target machine. The attack leverages a use-after-free flaw within the Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to gain elevated control over the system.

  • Requires local access.
  • Attacker triggers flaw.
  • Attacker gains control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

The identified vulnerability in the Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem allows for local privilege escalation. This means an attacker already on the system could gain higher access levels. The complexity of exploiting this vulnerability is moderate, requiring specific conditions to be met. Organizations should assess their exposure and apply necessary security updates.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Moderate.
  • Required access or conditions: Local system access.
  • Business risk or urgency: High.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in the Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem allows an authorized attacker with local access to elevate their privileges. This could potentially grant unauthorized access to sensitive data or systems. Addressing this requires a structured approach to minimize risk to organizational assets and data.

  • Find affected Windows assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem and its role in CVE-2025-24983?

The Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem is a fundamental component of the Windows operating system responsible for managing graphical elements and user-level operations. It facilitates interaction between applications and the Windows environment, enabling functionalities such as displaying windows, processing user input, and executing software.

What is CVE-2025-24983 and what type of weakness does it involve?

CVE-2025-24983 is classified as a 'use-after-free' weakness (CWE-416). This type of vulnerability occurs when a program attempts to access memory that has already been deallocated, potentially leading to system instability or enabling an attacker to inject malicious code for system control.

How can CVE-2025-24983 be triggered and what is the scope of its impact?

The vulnerability is triggered by an authorized local attacker who gains elevated privileges. The scope of the impact is limited to the local system, as exploitation requires prior authenticated access to the target machine.

What is the relevance of CVE-2025-24983, as indicated by Halo Surface Signal?

Halo Surface Signal scores CVE-2025-24983 as 'Very unlikely' to be exploited externally because the vulnerability resides within the Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem and necessitates local system access for exploitation, making it an internal threat rather than one accessible via the public internet.

What steps should be taken to address the CVE-2025-24983 vulnerability?

To address this vulnerability, organizations should identify all affected Windows assets, implement measures to reduce exposure or isolate risks, and apply necessary security updates. Verification of fixes and continuous monitoring are also crucial to ensure the security posture is maintained.

References