CVE-2025-53789 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2025
Missing authentication for critical function in Windows StateRepository API 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-2025-53789 represents a critical authentication flaw within the Windows StateRepository API component that enables local privilege escalation. This issue resides in the Windows operating system's state management infrastructure where the StateRepository API is responsible for maintaining system state information and configuration parameters. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication checks for critical functions within this API, allowing an attacker who already possesses local system access to exploit this weakness and elevate their privileges to higher system levels.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege enforcement within the Windows kernel subsystem. The StateRepository API interfaces with core system components that manage state transitions, configuration settings, and system integrity parameters. When an authenticated user executes malicious code on the system, the vulnerability allows bypassing the normal authentication mechanisms that should protect access to these critical functions. This misconfiguration creates a path where local users can manipulate system state information without proper authorization, potentially gaining access to administrative privileges or system-level resources that should remain protected.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Windows environments as it requires only local system access to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or systems where users may have legitimate local access. The privilege escalation capability can enable attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges, allowing them to modify system files, install malicious software, access sensitive data, or disable security mechanisms. This vulnerability is especially concerning in enterprise environments where it could be leveraged to establish persistent access or move laterally within a network. The attack surface is broad as the StateRepository API is integral to Windows system operations and is likely accessed by various system components and services.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the 'Token Manipulation' and 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' techniques. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-863, which addresses "Incorrect Authorization" where an attacker can bypass authorization checks for critical functions. Mitigation strategies should include applying the latest Windows security updates from Microsoft, implementing least privilege principles for user accounts, and monitoring for unusual system state changes or API access patterns. Network segmentation and user access controls should be reinforced to limit potential exploitation paths. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to system state repositories and privilege escalation activities within their Windows environments.