CVE-2025-24071 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2025
Exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor in Windows File Explorer allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24071 represents a critical security flaw in Windows File Explorer that exposes sensitive information to unauthorized actors through network-based spoofing operations. This weakness fundamentally undermines the integrity of file system operations and creates opportunities for malicious entities to manipulate user interactions with file explorer interfaces. The vulnerability resides within the network communication mechanisms of Windows File Explorer, specifically in how it handles and displays file information during remote operations. Attackers can exploit this flaw to present misleading file attributes, locations, or metadata that appear legitimate to users but actually represent maliciously crafted data. The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as the spoofing capability enables attackers to manipulate user decisions and potentially execute further attacks through deceptive file interactions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of network-received file information within the Windows File Explorer component. When File Explorer processes remote file system data, particularly during network share operations or remote directory browsing, it fails to adequately verify the authenticity and integrity of received metadata. This processing gap creates an attack surface where malicious actors can inject falsified file properties, directory structures, or attribute information that appears legitimate to the user interface. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically affecting how File Explorer renders network file information and handles remote file system protocols. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor, and demonstrates how improper input validation can lead to information disclosure and manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-24071 extends significantly beyond traditional information disclosure scenarios, as it enables sophisticated social engineering attacks through network-based file manipulation. An attacker with access to the network can craft malicious file listings that appear to contain legitimate files, potentially tricking users into executing malicious code or accessing compromised resources. The spoofing capability allows for the creation of deceptive file hierarchies that can mimic trusted network locations, enabling attackers to perform credential harvesting, malware distribution, or further network reconnaissance. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where File Explorer is frequently used to access network shares, cloud storage integration, or remote desktop connections. The attack vector typically involves network-based file system enumeration and manipulation, making it particularly dangerous in environments with limited network segmentation or insufficient monitoring controls.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to limit access to critical file shares, enhanced monitoring of file explorer network communications, and user education regarding suspicious file listings. The implementation of network-based intrusion detection systems can help identify anomalous file system traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling unnecessary network file sharing features and implementing strict access controls for network resources. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566, which covers phishing techniques, and T1071, which addresses application layer protocols. Security teams should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious file explorer behaviors and network communication patterns. Regular patch management procedures should be prioritized to address this vulnerability, as it represents a persistent threat to file system integrity and user security awareness.