External risk intelligence

Microsoft Windows Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2025-62221

A vulnerability in the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver allows local attackers to elevate privileges. This could impact system integrity and data security for organizations. The vulnerability is actively exploited, posing a realistic business risk.

1Halo Surface Signal

Use After Free

Microsoft Windows 10 1809

before 10.0.17763.8146before 10.0.19044.6691before 10.0.19045.6691before 10.0.22631.6345before 10.0.26100.7392before 10.0.26200.7392before 10.0.20348.4467before 10.0.25398.2025

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2025-62221

The vulnerability resides in a local Windows kernel driver component. Successful exploitation requires the attacker to already have local access to the system. It is not reachable via the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver has a vulnerability that permits unauthorized privilege escalation. An attacker with existing access to a system can exploit this flaw to gain higher levels of control. This could lead to significant risks for affected organizations, impacting their data integrity and system security.

  • Vulnerable Windows driver component
  • Flaw allows privilege escalation
  • Business risk to data and systems

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability impacts Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver. An attacker with existing local access could exploit a use-after-free flaw. This action could lead to elevated privileges on the affected system.

  • Local access required.
  • Attacker triggers a race condition.
  • Privilege escalation results.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability in the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver could allow an attacker with local access to gain elevated privileges. This type of attack requires the attacker to already be present on the system, limiting its reach. The potential for privilege escalation poses a significant risk to affected organizations, impacting system integrity and data security. Given the potential for severe compromise, treating this vulnerability with urgency is advised.

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

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows an authorized user with local access to elevate their privileges on affected Windows systems. The impact could include unauthorized access to sensitive data or the ability to make system-level changes. Organizations should prioritize addressing this issue to maintain system integrity and prevent potential misuse.

  • Identify all affected Windows assets.
  • Isolate affected systems or reduce user privileges.
  • Apply vendor patches and validate remediation.
  • Monitor systems for suspicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver and its role?

The Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver (cldflt.sys) is a kernel-level component in Windows that manages cloud-integrated file systems. It enables features like OneDrive Files On-Demand, allowing files to appear local while only hydrating when accessed. It acts as a filter, intercepting and potentially modifying file system I/O requests.

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2025-62221 and how is it exploited?

CVE-2025-62221 is a use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) in the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver. It allows an authenticated local attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM by exploiting improper memory handling, leading to memory corruption. This can be achieved by manipulating placeholder file states and registry keys, potentially bypassing access control logic.

What is the impact of a privilege escalation vulnerability like CVE-2025-62221?

Privilege escalation allows an attacker to gain higher-level access and permissions than they were initially granted. For CVE-2025-62221, this means an attacker with local access can escalate to SYSTEM privileges, enabling full control over the affected Windows system. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system disruption, malware deployment, and can be a stepping stone for further network attacks.

What are the recommended mitigation and remediation steps for CVE-2025-62221?

Organizations must immediately apply Microsoft's December 2025 security updates for CVE-2025-62221. Prioritize patching on all affected Windows systems, especially those with common user access. Audit endpoints for exploitation indicators and consider isolating systems if immediate patching is not possible. CISA also mandates following BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services.

How does a use-after-free vulnerability work?

A use-after-free vulnerability occurs when a program attempts to access a memory location after it has been freed or deallocated. This leaves a 'dangling pointer' that can be exploited. Attackers can manipulate this freed memory, which may be reallocated for other purposes, leading to arbitrary code execution, data corruption, crashes, or privilege escalation.

References