CVE-2025-24054 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2025
External control of file name or path in Windows NTLM allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2026
This vulnerability resides in the Windows NTLM authentication protocol implementation where external control of file name or path parameters creates opportunities for network-based spoofing attacks. The flaw manifests when the system processes file paths or names that originate from untrusted sources, allowing attackers to manipulate authentication flows through crafted path references. This represents a critical weakness in the authentication framework that undermines the integrity of network communications and user identification processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file path inputs within the NTLM authentication mechanism. When systems process external file references during authentication operations, they fail to properly sanitize or validate the path components, enabling attackers to inject malicious path elements that can be interpreted by the authentication subsystem. This weakness operates at the protocol level where path manipulation can influence authentication decisions, potentially allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users or systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust relationships inherent in network authentication protocols to execute unauthorized spoofing operations.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple network security domains including identity management, access control, and network monitoring systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, session hijacking, or credential theft by manipulating file path references during authentication exchanges. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on NTLM authentication for network resource access, potentially compromising sensitive data and system integrity. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to network resources, disruption of legitimate authentication processes, and potential escalation of privileges through successful spoofing operations. The impact is amplified in environments where NTLM is used as a fallback authentication mechanism or in legacy systems that do not properly support modern authentication protocols.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation controls and strengthening authentication protocols within affected systems. Organizations should deploy network segmentation to limit exposure of systems that utilize NTLM authentication and implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous path manipulation patterns. The recommended approach includes disabling NTLM authentication where possible and migrating to more secure protocols such as Kerberos or modern authentication mechanisms that provide better protection against path manipulation attacks. Additionally, implementing strict file path validation controls, regular security assessments, and network traffic analysis can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security patches should be applied immediately upon availability, and network administrators should consider implementing additional authentication layers to provide defense-in-depth protection against this specific vulnerability. This remediation approach aligns with industry standards including cwe-22 for improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory and follows attack techniques outlined in the mitre attack framework under credential access and defense evasion categories.