CVE-2025-53141 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2025
Null pointer dereference in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-53141 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock component, which operates at a low system level to support network communications. This driver serves as a foundational element in the Windows networking stack, facilitating various socket operations and network functionality across the operating system. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the driver processes certain input parameters without proper validation, leading to a scenario where a null pointer is dereferenced during execution. This type of flaw falls under the category of software defects that can be exploited to disrupt normal system operations or potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Ancillary Function Driver implementation, which is responsible for managing auxiliary network functions and socket operations. When an authorized user with local access submits malformed or unexpected input parameters to the driver, the system fails to properly validate these inputs before attempting to dereference a pointer that may be null. This particular flaw exists in the kernel-level driver code where memory management and system resource allocation occur, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability is classified as a null pointer dereference, which is a common software flaw pattern that can lead to system instability and potential privilege escalation when exploited properly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes or hangs, as it provides a pathway for local attackers to elevate their privileges within the Windows environment. Since the driver operates with elevated privileges to perform its network functions, an attacker who can successfully trigger the null pointer dereference can potentially leverage this weakness to gain higher-level system access. The attack requires local system access and authentication, which means that the attacker must already have some level of access to the target system to exploit the vulnerability. However, once exploited, the privilege escalation could potentially allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges, effectively compromising the entire system. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can undermine the security model of Windows operating systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-53141 should focus on both immediate system hardening and long-term security improvements. Microsoft has released patches addressing this vulnerability through regular security updates, and system administrators should prioritize applying these patches to all affected systems. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities by restricting local access to critical systems. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions in software implementations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability would be categorized under privilege escalation techniques, specifically leveraging kernel-mode vulnerabilities to gain SYSTEM-level access. Organizations should implement robust monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain detailed system logs for forensic analysis in case of successful attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and thorough input validation in kernel-level drivers, as these components form the foundation of system security and stability.