CVE-2025-24064 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2025
Use after free in DNS Server allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24064 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the dns server component that enables remote code execution by unauthorized attackers. This issue manifests when the dns server processes certain malformed network requests that trigger improper memory management operations. The flaw occurs during the handling of specific dns query responses where the server fails to properly validate input data before freeing memory resources, creating a window where freed memory can be accessed and potentially overwritten by malicious data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the network level, allowing attackers to exploit the flaw without requiring local system access or elevated privileges. The use-after-free condition creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the freed memory location to redirect program execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected dns server. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-416 which specifically addresses use after free conditions in memory management. The attack vector leverages standard network protocols and does not require specialized tools or extensive reconnaissance, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. The operational impact extends beyond simple code execution as the compromised dns server can serve as a foothold for further network infiltration, allowing attackers to pivot to other systems within the network infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2025-24064 requires an attacker to craft specific dns responses that trigger the memory management flaw during normal dns server operation. When the server processes these malicious responses, the improper handling of memory references creates a race condition where freed memory blocks are accessed before being properly reallocated. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program data structures, enabling attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the dns server process context. The vulnerability's network-based nature means that exploitation can occur from any location with network connectivity to the affected dns server, eliminating the need for physical access or local network presence. Security researchers have identified that the flaw affects multiple versions of dns server implementations, particularly those that handle dynamic dns updates or recursive queries without proper input sanitization. The attack methodology aligns with tactics described in the mitre att&ck framework under the execution and privilege escalation phases, where initial compromise leads to persistent access and further network exploration. The vulnerability demonstrates how memory safety issues in core network services can create fundamental security weaknesses that compromise entire network infrastructures.
Organizations affected by CVE-2025-24064 must implement immediate mitigations to protect their dns infrastructure from potential exploitation. The primary recommendation involves applying vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the memory management flaw in the dns server implementation. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of dns servers to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include configuring dns servers to disable unnecessary features such as dynamic dns updates when not required, implementing strict input validation for all dns queries, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious dns traffic patterns. The vulnerability's impact on dns infrastructure makes it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely heavily on dns for internal and external communications, as compromise of these services can lead to complete network disruption. Monitoring for exploitation attempts should include tracking unusual dns response patterns, unexpected memory allocations, and system behavior changes that might indicate memory corruption. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential dns server compromise scenarios, as the nature of this vulnerability can allow attackers to maintain persistent access to network infrastructure. The implementation of defense-in-depth strategies including network access controls, regular security assessments, and continuous monitoring will help reduce the risk of successful exploitation while maintaining operational continuity.