CVE-2025-24062 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 04/08/2025
Improper input validation in Windows DWM Core Library allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24062 resides within the Windows Desktop Window Manager DWM Core Library, a critical component responsible for compositing and rendering graphical user interface elements on Windows operating systems. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that affects the core desktop rendering functionality of Microsoft Windows platforms. The issue manifests as improper input validation within the DWM Core Library, which processes and handles graphical rendering commands from various system components and user applications. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems where the Desktop Window Manager service is actively running, typically all modern Windows versions including Windows 10 and Windows 11, though the exact scope may vary based on system configurations and patch statuses.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input parameters within the DWM Core Library functions that handle graphical rendering operations. An attacker with legitimate user credentials and local access can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that bypasses normal validation checks. This flaw allows the attacker to manipulate the DWM service in ways that were not intended by the original design, potentially leading to unauthorized privilege escalation. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue because it requires the attacker to already possess valid user credentials and local system access, but does not require elevated privileges initially. The improper input validation creates a path where untrusted data can be processed without adequate sanitization or verification, enabling the attacker to manipulate internal system states.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses a serious threat to system security and integrity. An authorized attacker who has already gained user-level access to a system can leverage this weakness to elevate their privileges to SYSTEM level, which represents the highest level of access within Windows. This privilege escalation capability allows the attacker to bypass standard security controls, access protected system files, modify critical registry entries, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may have legitimate access to systems but could be compromised through social engineering or other means. Once escalated to SYSTEM level, attackers can perform actions such as installing rootkits, modifying system binaries, accessing encrypted data, and disabling security features. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially affecting entire network infrastructures if the compromised system serves as a gateway or contains sensitive data.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple layers of defensive measures. Microsoft has released security updates to address the issue, and system administrators should prioritize applying these patches to all affected systems. In environments where patching may not be immediately possible, administrators should implement additional controls such as restricting user privileges, disabling unnecessary graphical features, and monitoring for suspicious DWM service activity. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how insufficient validation can lead to privilege escalation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities, specifically T1068 and T1548. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially malicious code that could exploit this weakness. Additionally, monitoring for unusual patterns in DWM service behavior and conducting regular security assessments can help detect potential exploitation attempts before they succeed in achieving privilege escalation.