CVE-2025-20631 in MT7615
Summary
by MITRE • 02/03/2025
In wlan AP driver, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: WCNCR00397141; Issue ID: MSV-2187.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20631 resides within the wireless local area network access point driver component of a Microsoft Windows system, specifically affecting the Windows Wireless Network Connection Runtime. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that stems from an inadequate bounds checking mechanism within the driver's memory management routines. The flaw is particularly concerning as it operates at the kernel level within the wireless networking subsystem, where privileged operations occur. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129 as an insufficient bounds check, which represents a fundamental failure in input validation that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the wlan AP driver processes certain network frames or configuration parameters that contain malformed data structures. The driver's validation logic fails to properly verify array indices or buffer boundaries before writing data to memory locations. This incorrect bounds checking allows an attacker to manipulate the memory layout and potentially overwrite critical kernel data structures or function pointers. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation means that the vulnerability can be triggered automatically through network traffic or system configuration changes without requiring any human intervention. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the barrier to successful exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-20631 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides a direct pathway for attackers to gain elevated system privileges without additional execution privileges. This local privilege escalation capability allows an attacker who has already compromised a system or gained access to a low-privilege account to elevate their privileges to SYSTEM level, which grants complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require network access from external sources, making it particularly dangerous in environments where wireless networks are prevalent and where attackers might already have network access through other means. The patch ID WCNCR00397141 specifically addresses this issue by correcting the bounds checking logic and implementing proper validation of memory access operations within the wireless driver component.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch deployment as the primary defense mechanism, particularly given the local privilege escalation nature and lack of user interaction requirements. System administrators should ensure that all affected systems receive the WCNCR00397141 patch promptly, with particular attention to wireless access points and systems with wireless capabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, though these measures provide only partial protection given the kernel-level nature of the vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068 as Local Privilege Escalation, with potential for lateral movement once the attacker has achieved SYSTEM-level access. Organizations should monitor for suspicious network activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts and consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel-mode driver verification and runtime application control to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.