CVE-2025-24074 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 04/08/2025
Improper input validation in Windows DWM Core Library allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24074 resides within the Windows Desktop Window Manager DWM Core Library, representing a critical weakness in the operating system's graphical subsystem that enables local privilege escalation. This flaw specifically targets the input validation mechanisms employed by the Desktop Window Manager component responsible for rendering desktop windows and managing visual effects in Windows operating systems. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Windows including Windows 10 and Windows 11, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these operating systems across enterprise environments. The DWM Core Library serves as a fundamental component in Windows graphical user interface operations, handling window composition and rendering processes that are essential for system functionality.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the DWM Core Library's processing of user-supplied data structures and parameters. An attacker with a standard user account can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that bypasses expected validation checks, allowing the system to process malformed or unexpected data within the DWM subsystem. This improper validation creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks where the attacker can manipulate the DWM process to execute code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining SYSTEM level access to the compromised system. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue, meaning it requires an attacker to already have a valid user account on the target system, but does not require network access or remote exploitation capabilities. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the Windows graphics subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially bypass standard security controls and access protected system resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise security environments where multiple users may have standard accounts on systems running affected Windows versions. The attack vector requires local access to the system, which means that attackers typically need to first compromise a user account through social engineering, credential theft, or other initial access methods. Once authenticated, the attacker can leverage this privilege escalation vulnerability to gain full system control, potentially enabling further attacks such as lateral movement, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise as successful exploitation can allow attackers to access sensitive corporate data, modify system configurations, or establish footholds for broader network infiltration. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the 'Windows DWM' component as part of the attack chain. Organizations running affected Windows versions face potential exposure to sophisticated attack campaigns where adversaries can use this vulnerability as a stepping stone for more extensive compromise operations.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through Microsoft's security updates and patches addressing this vulnerability, as the window for exploitation remains open until proper mitigation is applied. System administrators should implement additional security controls such as enabling User Account Control (UAC) policies, restricting user account privileges, and monitoring for anomalous process execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security design, and represents a clear example of how graphical subsystem vulnerabilities can be leveraged for privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may not have received the necessary patches, while also monitoring for suspicious activities that could indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege configurations and maintaining up-to-date security baselines can significantly reduce the attack surface and potential impact of this and similar vulnerabilities in the Windows environment.