RCE

High-Severity RCE Vulnerability in WinDbg (CVE-2025-24043) 

Security Advisory

A high-severity remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability exists in Microsoft’s WinDbg debugging tool and related .NET diagnostic packages.

The vulnerability poses severe supply chain risks, as WinDbg is widely embedded in CI/CD pipelines and enterprise developer toolchains.

Compromised debugging sessions could lead to lateral movement across networks, credential theft, persistent backdoor injections, and disruption of crash dump analysis workflows.

Microsoft confirmed no viable workarounds other than immediate patching, as the lack of certificate pinning in the affected packages worsens the risk, enabling attackers to leverage forged or stolen Microsoft Authenticode certificates.

OEM Microsoft 
Severity HIGH 
CVSS 7.5  
CVEs CVE-2025-24043 
Publicly POC Available No 
Patch/Remediation Available Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

This issue is caused by insufficient validation of cryptographic signatures in the SOS debugging extension, potentially allowing attackers with network access to execute arbitrary code. Microsoft has released patches to address the vulnerability. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity 
 Remote Code Execution Vulnerability  CVE-2025-24043  Microsoft Windows   High 

Technical Summary 

The vulnerability arises from the SOS debugging extension’s failure to properly validate cryptographic signatures during debugging operations.

This enables attackers with authenticated network access to inject malicious debugging components, leading to arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM privileges. The attack vector leverages NuGet package integrations in Visual Studio and .NET CLI environments, increasing the risk of supply chain compromises. 

CVE ID System Affected Vulnerability Details Impact 
 CVE-2025-24043  WinDbg and associated .NET diagnostic packages   Flaw in cryptographic signature validation in the SOS debugging extension allows tampered components to be loaded.  Arbitrary code execution  

Remediation

  • Update Affected Packages: Ensure that all instances of affected NuGet packages are updated to the latest patched versions. Refer to the table below for the affected and patched versions. 
  •  Upgrade WinDbg: Make sure that WinDbg is updated to the most recent release available. 
  • Audit Dependencies: Review all .NET Core project dependencies to identify and replace vulnerable packages. 
  • Monitor Network Activity: Implement monitoring for any suspicious network activity related to windbg.exe. 
  • Enforce Security Policies: Apply security policies, such as Windows Defender Application Control, to prevent the execution of unsigned debugging components. 

The table below outlines the affected and patched versions of the relevant packages: 

Package Name Affected Version Patched Version 
dotnet-sos < 9.0.607501 9.0.607501 
dotnet-dump < 9.0.557512 9.0.607501 
dotnet-debugger-extensions 9.0.557512 9.0.607601 

Conclusion: 

CVE-2025-24043 highlights the need to secure developer toolchains, as debugging environments are becoming more targeted in cyberattacks. Organizations using .NET diagnostics should quickly apply patches and implement strict security measures to reduce the risk of exploitation. With no effective workarounds available, postponing remediation heightens the chances of an attack. Prompt action is essential to safeguard critical development and production environments. 

The security impact extends beyond developers, as the exploitation of debugging tools could facilitate attacks on production infrastructure.

Additional security measures include certificate transparency logging for NuGet packages and enforcing Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies to restrict unsigned debugger extensions. While no active exploits have been reported, the patching window is critical, and organizations using .NET diagnostics must act immediately before threat actors weaponize the vulnerability.

References: 

  • https://securityonline.info/windbg-remote-code-execution-vulnerability-cve-2025-24043-exposes-critical-security-risk/ 

Critical Security Flaw in Kibana Requires Immediate Attention 

Kibana is a robust tool for data visualization and exploration that can be used to search, examine, and track data that is stored in Elasticsearch. A vital part of many organizations’ data analysis procedures, it offers real-time insights through interactive dashboards. 

Elastic released security updates to address a critical vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-25012 (CVSS score of 9.9), impacting the Kibana data visualization dashboard software for Elasticsearch.

OEM Elastic 
Severity Critical 
CVSS 9.9 
CVEs CVE-2025-25012 
Exploited in Wild No 
Patch/Remediation Available Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

A critical security vulnerability (CVE-2025-25012) has been identified in Kibana, affecting versions 8.15.0 to 8.17.2. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising affected systems. Elastic has released a patch in Kibana version 8.17.3to address this issue, and users are strongly advised to update immediately. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity 
 Arbitrary code execution Vulnerability  CVE-2025-25012  Elastic  Critical 

Technical Summary 

This vulnerability arises from improper handling of JavaScript object prototypes in Kibana’s file upload and HTTP request processing functionalities.

Attackers can exploit this flaw to inject malicious payloads, modify application behavior, and execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-1321 (Improper Control of Prototype-Based Attribute Modifications) and aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under tactic T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter). 

Affected Versions and Exploitation Conditions: 

  • Kibana 8.15.0 – 8.17.0: Exploitable by users with the Viewer role. 
  • Kibana 8.17.1 – 8.17.2: Requires privileges fleet-all, integrations-all, and actions:execute-advanced-connectors. 
CVE ID System Affected Vulnerability Details Impact 
  CVE-2025-25012   Kibana 8.15.0 – 8.17.2   Prototype pollution via crafted file uploads and HTTP requests, allowing manipulation of JavaScript object properties and security controls.  Remote Code Execution, Unauthorized Data Access, Lateral Movement  

Remediation

  • Upgrade: Elastic has released a security patch to address the issue. It is highly recommended to upgrade to Kibana 8.17.3 or a later version 
  • Temporary Mitigation: If upgrading is not feasible in the short term, apply the following measure to reduce risk: 
  • Disable the Integration Assistant feature by setting xpack.integration_assistant.enabled: false in kibana.yml. 

Conclusion: 

Organizations utilizing Kibana should take urgent action to patch CVE-2025-25012 by upgrading to version 8.17.3.

The vulnerability is highly severe, particularly for environments using Kibana for security monitoring, as attackers could exploit this flaw to disable alerts and manipulate detection pipelines. If patching is not immediately possible, temporary mitigations should be applied to reduce the risk of exploitation. Ensuring real-time vulnerability monitoring and implementing strict access controls are also recommended to safeguard against similar threats in the future. 

References: 

Image 

Critical WordPress Security Flaw in Everest Forms Plugin 

UAE Cyber Security Council has observed a critical vulnerability in Everest Forms WordPress
plugin

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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 2025-02-11
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

Active Exploitation of Microsoft Outlook RCE Vulnerability (CVE-2024-21413) 

A critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability, CVE-2024-21413, affecting Microsoft Outlook has been actively exploited.

CISA has directed U.S. federal agencies to secure their systems against ongoing cyberattacks targeting this vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024–21413. The flaw was originally discovered by Check Point vulnerability researcher Haifei Li and is a result of improper input validation when processing emails containing malicious links.

OEM Microsoft 
Severity Critical 
CVSS 9.8 
CVEs CVE-2024-21413 
Exploited in Wild Yes 
Patch/Remediation Available Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

The flaw allows attackers to bypass security protections, leading to NTLM credential theft and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is critical, and Microsoft has released patches to mitigate the risk. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity 
 Remote Code Execution Vulnerability  CVE-2024-21413  Microsoft  Critical 

Technical Summary 

The CVE-2024-21413 vulnerability arises due to improper input validation in Microsoft Outlook when handling emails containing malicious links. Exploitation of this flaw enables attackers to bypass Protected View, a security feature designed to prevent execution of harmful content embedded in Office files. 

By manipulating URLs with the file:// protocol and inserting an exclamation mark followed by arbitrary text, attackers can evade Outlook’s built-in security measures, tricking users into opening malicious Office files in editing mode instead of read-only mode. The Preview Pane also serves as an attack vector, enabling zero-click exploitation. Here is the POC also available for this vulnerabilty. 

CVE ID System Affected Vulnerability Details Impact 
CVE-2024-21413 Microsoft Office LTSC 2021, Microsoft 365 Apps, 
Microsoft Outlook 2016, Microsoft Office 2019   
Exploits improper input validation to bypass Outlook security protections using manipulated hyperlinks.  NTLM credential theft, remote code execution, potential full system compromise  

Remediation

  1. Apply Security Patches: Ensure that all the Microsoft Office products are updated with the latest security patches. 
  1. Disable NTLM Authentication: Where feasible, reduce reliance on NTLM authentication to prevent credential theft. 

General Remediation: 

  1. Monitor Network Activity: Watch unusual outbound connections to attacker-controlled servers. 
  1. User Awareness Training: Educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts and avoiding click on suspicious links or attachments. 
  1. Enable Advanced Threat Protection: Use security tools like Microsoft Defender to enhance security monitoring and detection. 
  1. Regularly Update Software: Maintain a routine patching schedule to ensure all systems are protected against known vulnerabilities. 
  1. Restrict Macros and External Content: Configure Microsoft Office to block macros and disable automatic external content execution. 

Conclusion: 

The exploitation of CVE-2024-21413 underscores the ongoing threat posed by improperly validated inputs in widely used enterprise software. With this vulnerability being actively exploited and the POC publicly available, organizations must prioritize patching, strengthen monitoring, and follow best security practices to minimize risks. CISA has included CVE-2024-21413 in its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, emphasizing the need for immediate action. 

References: 

Apple Patched Actively Exploited Zero-Day Vulnerability

Summary

CVE-2025-24085 is a zero-day vulnerability in Apple’s “Core Media framework” which enables malicious applications to potentially gain elevated privileges on impacted devices. It falls under the “Memory Corruption vulnerability category”, posing significant security risks such as unauthorized access to sensitive data or potential device control.

OEM Apple Inc
Severity High
CVEs CVE-2025-24085
Exploited in Wild Yes
Patch/Remediation Available Yes
Advisory Version 1.0

 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Affected Version
  Privilege escalation vulnerability   CVE-2025-24085     Apple     High iPhone-XS and later, macOS Sequoia iPad-Pro (3rd generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later) Apple Watch: Series 6 and later Apple TV: All models

Technical Summary

CVE ID System Affected Vulnerability Details Impact
      CVE-2025-24085   iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV CVE-2025-24085 is a memory management vulnerability in Apple’s Core Media framework, responsible for processing audio and video content. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of media data, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. It can be remotely exploited through malicious media files, creating significant security risks.   Arbitrary Code Execution, Privilege Escalation, Sensitive Data Exposure, Remote Exploitation via Media Files  

Remediation:

  • Update: Ensure the latest patches are applied to affected Apple devices as listed below
Affected Version(s) Fixes and Releases
iOS 17.2 and later iOS 18.3
iPadOS 17.2 and later iPadOS 18.3
macOS Sequoia (all previous versions) macOS Sequoia 15.3
watchOS 10.3 and later watchOS 11.3
tvOS 17.2 and later tvOS 18.3
visionOS 1.3 and later visionOS 2.3

Apple has fixed this vulnerability in these software versions. Update devices immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

General Recommendations:

  • Untrusted Media: Avoid opening suspicious media files, emails, or links from unknown sources, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely via malicious media. 
  • Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates on all Apple devices to ensure timely installation of future security patches. 

References:

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-2025-21333CVE-2025-21334CVE-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-2025-21333CVE-2025-21334CVE-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

Ivanti Connect Secure VPN Actively Being Exploited in the Wild 

Ivanti announced two critical vulnerabilities impacting its Connect Secure (ICS) VPN appliances: CVE-2025-0282 and CVE-2025-0283. Notably, CVE-2025-0282 has been actively exploited in the wild since mid-December 2024.

As per Ivanti threat actors have attempted to bypass detection by the ICT, Ivanti has provided examples demonstrating the differences between successful scans and unsuccessful ones on compromised devices to help users identify potential compromises.

Summary 

OEM Ivanti  
Severity Critical 
CVSS 9.0 
CVEs CVE-2025-0282, CVE-2025-0283  
Exploited in Wild  Yes 
Patch/Remediation Available Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

This stack-based buffer overflow flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. Another  Vulnerability, CVE-2025-0283, could allow a local authenticated attacker to escalate privileges. Ivanti has released patches for Connect Secure and recommends immediate updates to mitigate the risk. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Affected Version 
Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability  CVE-2025-0282 Ivanti Critical 22.7R2 through 22.7R2.4  22.7R1 through 22.7R1.2  22.7R2 through 22.7R2.3  
Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability CVE-2025-0283  Ivanti High 22.7R2.4 and prior 9.1R18.9 and prior  22.7R1.2 and prior 22.7R2.3 and prior  

Technical Summary 

CVE ID System Affected Vulnerability Details Impact 
CVE-2025-0282  Ivanti Connect Secure, Ivanti Policy Secure, Ivanti Neurons for ZTA gateways  A stack-based buffer overflow in Ivanti Connect Secure before version 22.7R2.5, Ivanti Policy Secure before version 22.7R1.2, and Ivanti Neurons for ZTA gateways before version 22.7R2.3 allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to achieve remote code execution.  RCE, System compromise, Data theft, Network breaches, and Service disruptions.  
CVE-2025-0283  Ivanti Connect Secure, Ivanti Policy Secure, Ivanti Neurons for ZTA gateways  A stack-based buffer overflow in Ivanti Connect Secure before version 22.7R2.5, Ivanti Policy Secure before version 22.7R1.2, and Ivanti Neurons for ZTA gateways before version 22.7R2.3 allows a local authenticated attacker to escalate their privileges Allow Local Authenticated Attackers to Escalate Privileges. 

Remediation

  • Ensure that the appropriate patches or updates are applied to the relevant Ivanti 
  • Organizations using ICS appliances are strongly advised to apply these patches and follow Ivanti’s Security Advisory to safeguard their systems.

versions as listed below: 

Affected Version(s) Fixes and Releases 
22.7R2 through 22.7R2.4  22.7R2.5  
22.7R2.4 and prior,  9.1R18.9 and prior  22.7R2.5  
22.7R2 through 22.7R2.3  22.7R2.5, Patch planned availability Jan. 21  
22.7R2.3 and prior  22.7R2.5, Patch planned availability Jan. 21  
22.7R1 through 22.7R1.2  Patch planned availability Jan. 21  
22.7R1.2 and prior  Patch planned availability Jan. 21  
  • Ivanti Connect Secure: Upgrade to version 22.7R2.5, perform a clean ICT scan, and factory reset appliances before putting them into production for added security. 
  • Ivanti Connect Secure (Compromise Detected): Perform a factory reset and upgrade to version 22.7R2.5 to remove malware and ensure continued monitoring with security tools. 
  • Ivanti Policy Secure: Ensure the appliance is not exposed to the internet, as the risk of exploitation is lower, and expect a fix on January 21, 2025. 
  • Ivanti Neurons for ZTA Gateways: Ensure ZTA gateways are connected to a controller for protection, with a fix available on January 21, 2025. 

General Recommendation 

  • Regularly update software and systems to address known vulnerabilities. 
  • Implement continuous monitoring to identify any unauthorized access or suspicious activities. 
  • Use strong authentication and access controls to minimize unauthorized access and reduce attack surfaces. 
  • Create and Maintain an incident response plan to quickly mitigate the impact of any security breach. 

References: 

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