CVE-2025-55024
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2025
Not used
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2026
cve-2023-21945 represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability affecting microsoft windows operating systems that allows attackers to gain elevated privileges from standard user accounts to system level access. this flaw resides within the windows kernel mode driver interface and specifically impacts the nt kernel subsystem where improper validation of input parameters occurs during certain privilege checking operations. the vulnerability manifests when malicious code attempts to manipulate kernel objects through crafted api calls that bypass normal access control mechanisms.
the technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages a race condition in the kernel's privilege validation routines where insufficient synchronization prevents proper verification of caller credentials before executing privileged operations. attackers can craft specific sequences of kernel api calls that manipulate object handles and memory structures to bypass security checks. this flaw directly maps to common weakness enumeration 122 which describes weaknesses related to improper handling of input parameters and inadequate access control validation in kernel mode components. the vulnerability exists in the windows kernel driver model where privilege escalation occurs through manipulation of kernel objects and their associated access rights.
operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities including persistent access, data exfiltration, and lateral movement throughout network environments. once exploited, the attacker gains unrestricted access to all system resources including registry keys, file systems, network connections, and memory spaces. this vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where standard user accounts are common and administrative privileges are tightly controlled, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors seeking long-term access to critical infrastructure.
the exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious kernel drivers or using existing exploits that leverage the race condition in privilege validation. attackers may utilize tools like metasploit frameworks or custom exploit code that targets specific windows versions including windows 10 and windows server 2019 where this vulnerability exists. the vulnerability affects systems running without proper patching and represents a significant risk to organizations relying on traditional security controls as it bypasses many standard detection mechanisms. threat actors can use this vulnerability to establish backdoors, deploy additional malware payloads, or conduct data theft operations.
mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of microsoft security patches that address the kernel privilege escalation flaw through proper input validation and synchronization mechanisms. organizations should implement principle of least privilege models where user accounts operate with minimal required permissions and avoid running administrative accounts continuously. network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual kernel activity or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. additional defensive measures include enabling windows defender application control policies, configuring secure boot settings, and implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious kernel mode activities. the vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs that ensure timely patch deployment across all enterprise systems.
this vulnerability demonstrates how critical kernel-level flaws can provide attackers with complete system compromise capabilities and underscores the need for robust security architectures that protect core operating system components from exploitation. the attack surface for such vulnerabilities is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users interact with systems and where traditional security controls may not prevent kernel-level attacks. organizations must maintain comprehensive incident response plans that account for privilege escalation scenarios and ensure rapid detection and remediation of similar vulnerabilities. the vulnerability also emphasizes the importance of maintaining current threat intelligence feeds and understanding how advanced persistent threats leverage kernel-level exploits to achieve long-term access to critical systems.