Patch Mangement

Security Advisory

Microsoft Updates Patch Tuesday for Feb 2025; Address 67 Vulnerabilities, Includes 2 Exploited Zero-Days 

Summary

Microsoft’s February 2025 Patch Tuesday addresses multiple security vulnerabilities, including four zero-days, with two actively exploited in the wild. This update covers a total of 67 security flaws, with three classified as critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities.  

Microsoft  issued a revision for an older zero-day that threatens the latest Windows desktop and server versions.

OEM Microsoft 
Severity Critical 
Date of Announcement 2025-01-14 
No. of Vulnerabilities Patched 67 
Actively Exploited Yes 
Exploited in Wild Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

The affected products include Windows, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Surface, and various network services. Organizations are strongly advised to apply these patches immediately to mitigate security risks and potential cyberattacks. 

  • 63 Microsoft CVEs addressed 
  • 4 non-Microsoft CVEs included 

The highlighted vulnerabilities include 4 zero-day flaws, 2 of which are currently being actively exploited. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity CVSS Score 
Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability CVE-2025-21418 Windows High 7.8 
Windows Storage Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability  CVE-2025-21391 Windows High 7.1 
Microsoft Surface Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability CVE-2025-21194 Windows High  7.1 
NTLM Hash Disclosure Spoofing Vulnerability CVE-2025-21377 Windows Medium  6.5 

Technical Summary 

CVE ID System Affected Vulnerability Details Impact 
  CVE-2025-21418  Windows server and Windows 10 & 11  Windows ancillary function driver for winsock elevation of privilege vulnerability enables attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level. Specific exploitation details are not disclosed.    Unauthorized access with SYSTEM privileges.  
  CVE-2025-21391  Windows server and Windows 10 & 11 Windows storage elevation of privilege vulnerability allows attackers to delete targeted files on a system, potentially leading to service unavailability. Does not expose confidential data.    Deletion of critical data, leading to service disruption. 
  CVE-2025-21194    Microsoft Surface    Microsoft surface security feature bypass vulnerability allows attackers to bypass UEFI protections, compromising the secure kernel. Likely related to “PixieFail” vulnerabilities affecting the IPv6 network stack in Tianocore’s EDK II firmware.    Bypass of security features, potentially compromising system integrity. 
 CVE-2025-21377  Windows server and Windows 10 & 11 NTLM hash disclosure spoofing vulnerability exposes NTLM hashes when a user interacts with a malicious file. Simply selecting or right-clicking a file could trigger a remote connection, allowing an attacker to capture NTLM hashes for cracking or pass-the-hash attacks.   Potential for attackers to authenticate as the user, leading to unauthorized access. 

Source:  Microsoft       

In addition to the actively exploited vulnerabilities, several other critical flaws were also addressed: 

  • CVE-2025-21376: A Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) RCE vulnerability that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely. 
  • CVE-2025-21379: A DHCP Client Service RCE vulnerability that may enable remote attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. 
  • CVE-2025-21381: An RCE vulnerability in Microsoft Excel that could be triggered through malicious spreadsheet files. 

Remediation: 

  • Apply Updates: Immediately install the February 2025 Patch Tuesday updates to address these vulnerabilities. 

Conclusion: 

The February 2025 Patch Tuesday release addresses critical security vulnerabilities, including actively exploited zero-days. Timely application of these updates is essential to protect systems from potential threats. Organizations should review the affected products and implement the necessary patches and mitigations to maintain security integrity. 

The attack vector is local, meaning the attacker needs local access — physically or remotely, using SSH method without user interaction and if successful in exploiting, can give the attacker system privileges.

References: 

Security Advisory

Apple’s USB Restricted Mode Exploited in Targeted Attacks 

OEM Apple 
Severity High 
CVSS Not Assigned 
CVEs CVE-2025-24200   
Exploited in Wild No 
Patch/Remediation Available Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

Apple has issued emergency security patches to mitigate a zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2025-24200, which has been actively exploited in sophisticated attacks targeting specific individuals. The flaw allows attackers to bypass USB Restricted Mode on a locked device, potentially exposing sensitive data. Initially identified by The Citizen Lab, this vulnerability is believed to have been leveraged in real-world scenarios against high-profile targets. Apple has responded by enhancing state management in iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1 to prevent exploitation. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity 
 USB Restricted Mode Bypass Vulnerability  CVE-2025-24200  Apple  High 

Technical Summary 

The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-24200, affects USB Restricted Mode, a security feature introduced in 2018 to prevent data transfer over USB when a device remains locked for seven days. A flaw in the Accessibility framework allows an attacker with physical access to disable USB Restricted Mode, bypassing this protection and potentially accessing sensitive data. 

Apple has mentioned “This issue has been exploited in extremely sophisticated attacks against specific individuals.” The vulnerability was discovered by Bill Marczak, a senior researcher at The Citizen Lab. 

CVE ID System Affected Vulnerability Details Impact 
CVE-2025-24200 iPhone XS and later iPad Pro (13-inch) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later) iPad Air (3rd generation and later) iPad (7th generation and later) iPad mini (5th generation and later) A flaw in the Accessibility framework allows a physical attacker to disable USB Restricted Mode, bypassing protections designed to prevent unauthorized data transfer.   Unauthorized access to sensitive data 

Remediation: 

  1. Users are strongly advised to update their devices to the latest versions: 
  • iOS: Update to version 18.3.1 
  • iPadOS: Update to version 18.3.1 
  1. To update your device, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and follow the on-screen instructions. 

Conclusion 

The CVE-2025-24200 vulnerability poses a serious risk to device security, particularly for individuals targeted in sophisticated cyberattacks. While the exploitation has been limited to specific individuals, all users of affected devices should install the latest updates immediately to mitigate potential risks. Apple remains committed to user security by addressing vulnerabilities promptly and ensuring continuous protection against emerging threats. 

References: 

Security Advisory

Critical Security Updates: Microsoft Jan 2025 Patch Tuesday Fixes 8 Zero-Days & 159 Vulnerabilities 

Summary 

Microsoft has released its January 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, delivering critical fixes. Key products impacted include Windows Telephony Service, Windows Digital Media, and MSMQ, among others.

Key take away:

  • Microsoft addressed 159 vulnerabilities across multiple products, including eight zero-day flaws, with three actively exploited in the January 2025 Patch Tuesday updates.
  • Key vulnerabilities include privilege escalation flaws in Hyper-V and remote code execution bugs in Microsoft Excel.
  • This marks highest number of fixes in a single month since at least 2017.
OEM Microsoft 
Severity Critical 
Date of Announcement 2025-01-14 
No. of Vulnerabilities Patched 159 
Actively Exploited yes 
Exploited in Wild Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

Critical updates were issued for Windows Hyper-V, Windows Themes, Microsoft Access, and Windows App Package Installer. The vulnerabilities include elevation of privilege, remote code execution, and spoofing attacks, impacting various systems. The patch targets a range of critical issues across Microsoft products, categorized as follows: 

  • 58 Remote Code Execution (RCE) Vulnerabilities 
  • 40 Elevation of Privilege (EoP) Vulnerabilities 
  • 22 Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities 
  • 20 Denial of Service (DoS) Vulnerabilities 
  • 14 Security Feature Bypass 
  • 5 Spoofing Vulnerabilities 

The highlighted vulnerabilities include 8 zero-day flaws, 3 of which are currently being actively exploited. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity CVSS Score 
Elevation of privilege vulnerability  CVE-2025-21333,  CVE-2025-21334,  CVE-2025-21335 Windows High 7.8 
Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability CVE-2025-21275 Windows High 7.8 
Remote Code Execution Vulnerability CVE-2025-21186,CVE-2025-21366, CVE-2025-21395 Windows High 7.8 
Spoofing Vulnerability CVE-2025-21308 Windows Medium 6.5 

Technical Summary 

CVE ID System Affected Vulnerability Details Impact 
 CVE-2025-21333,  CVE-2025-21334,  CVE-2025-21335  Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel No information has been released on how elevation of privilege vulnerabilities in Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel Integration VSP, which allow attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges, were exploited in attacks, as they were disclosed anonymously.    Allow attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges 
  CVE-2025-21275  Windows App Package Installer Elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows App Package Installer, potentially leading to SYSTEM privileges.   Attackers could gain SYSTEM privileges 
 CVE-2025-21186,CVE-2025-21366, CVE-2025-21395   Microsoft Access  Remote code execution vulnerabilities in Microsoft Access, exploitable via specially crafted Access documents.   Remote Code Execution 
 CVE-2025-21308   Windows Themes Spoofing vulnerability in Windows Themes; viewing a specially crafted theme file in Windows Explorer can lead to NTLM credential theft.   NTLM credential theft 

Source:  Microsoft       

Additional Critical Patches Address High-Severity Vulnerabilities 

  • Eight of this month’s patches address Virtual Secure Mode components, requiring administrators to follow Microsoft’s guidance for updating virtualization-based security (VBS) issues. (CVE-2025-21280, CVE-2025-21284, CVE-2025-21299, CVE-2025-21321, CVE-2025-21331, CVE-2025-21336, CVE-2025-21340, CVE-2025-21370). 
  • Windows NTLM V1 Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2025-21311). 
  • Windows OLE Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2025-21298). 

Remediation: 

  • Apply Updates: Immediately install the January 2025 Patch Tuesday updates to address these vulnerabilities. 
  • Disable NTLM: For CVE-2025-21308, consider disabling NTLM or enabling the “Restrict NTLM: Outgoing NTLM traffic to remote servers” policy to mitigate the risk.  
  • Exercise Caution with Untrusted Files: Avoid opening or interacting with files from untrusted sources, especially those with extensions associated with Microsoft Access. 

Conclusion: 

The January 2025 Patch Tuesday release addresses critical vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, execute arbitrary code, or steal credentials. Prompt application of these updates is essential to maintain system security. Additionally, implementing recommended mitigations, such as disabling NTLM, can provide further protection against potential exploits. 

References: 

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/releaseNote/2025-Jan

Security Advisory

Important Security Alert: SonicWall Issues Patch for SSL-VPN Vulnerabilities 

SonicWall has released an Critical advisory urging administrators to address a critical vulnerability in its SSL-VPN product.

The flaw, identified as CVE-2024-53704, poses a significant security risk, allowing attackers to exploit the system remotely. Administrators are strongly encouraged to update their systems immediately to mitigate potential threats. SonicWall has released an Critical advisory urging administrators to address a critical vulnerability in its SSL-VPN product.

Key Details:

  • The vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
  • It impacts SonicWall’s SSL-VPN products, widely used for secure remote access.
  • Exploitation of this bug could lead to severe consequences, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, network infiltration, and system compromise.

Summary 

OEM SonicWall 
Severity High 
CVSS 8.2 
CVEs CVE-2024-53704 
Exploited in Wild No 
Patch/Remediation Available Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

The security flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-53704, presents a serious risk, enabling remote exploitation by attackers. Administrators are highly advised to apply the necessary patches without delay to protect against potential threats.  

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Affected Version 
Improper Authentication CVE-2024-53704 SonicWall  High 7.1.x (7.1.1-7058 and older), 7.1.2-7019 
8.0.0-8035 
A privilege escalation vulnerability CVE-2024-53706 SonicWall High  7.1.x (7.1.1-7058 and older), 7.1.2-7019 
A weakness in the SSLVPN authentication token generator CVE-2024-40762 SonicWall High  7.1.x (7.1.1-7058 and older), 7.1.2-7019 
A server-side request forgery (SSRF) vulnerability CVE-2024-53705 SonicWall Medium 6.5.4.15-117n and older 
7.0.x (7.0.1-5161 and older) 

Technical Summary 

CVE ID System Affected Vulnerability Details Impact 
 CVE-2024-53704  Gen7 Firewalls, Gen7 NSv, TZ80 An Improper Authentication vulnerability in the SSLVPN authentication mechanism allows a remote attacker to bypass authentication.  Bypass authentication 
 CVE-2024-53706  Gen7 Cloud Platform NSv A vulnerability in the Gen7 SonicOS Cloud platform NSv (AWS and Azure editions only), allows a remote authenticated local low-privileged attacker to elevate privileges to `root` and potentially lead to code execution.  Allow attackers to gain root privileges and potentially execute code. 
  CVE-2024-40762  Gen7 Firewalls, Gen7 NSv, TZ80 Use of Cryptographically Weak Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) in the SonicOS SSLVPN authentication token generator that, in certain cases, can be predicted by an attacker potentially resulting in authentication bypass. Weak PRNG in authentication tokens can lead to authentication bypass in SSLVPN. 
 CVE-2024-53705  Gen6 Hardware Firewalls, Gen7 Firewalls, Gen7 NSv A Server-Side Request Forgery vulnerability in the SonicOS SSH management interface allows a remote attacker to establish a TCP connection to an IP address on any port when the user is logged in to the firewall. Allow attackers to establish TCP connections to arbitrary IP addresses and ports 

Remediation: 

  • Update: Impacted users are recommended to upgrade to the following versions to address the security risk: 
 Firewalls Versions Fixes and Releases 
Gen 6 / 6.5 hardware firewalls SonicOS 6.5.5.1-6n or newer 
Gen 6 / 6.5 NSv firewalls SonicOS 6.5.4.v-21s-RC2457 or newer 
Gen 7 firewalls SonicOS 7.0.1-5165 or newer; 7.1.3-7015 and higher 
TZ80: SonicOS SonicOS 8.0.0-8037 or newer 

Recommendations: 

  • Patch Without Delay: Install the latest firmware update from SonicWall to resolve this vulnerability. Detailed instructions are available in SonicWall’s official advisory. 
  • Monitor Network Activity: Regularly monitor network traffic for signs of suspicious or unauthorized access. 
  • Limit Access: Restrict VPN access to trusted users and enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all accounts. 
  • Stay Updated: Subscribe to SonicWall’s security alerts and updates to stay informed about upcoming vulnerabilities. 

References: 

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