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Security Advisory

Windows Zero-Day Exploit NTLM Hash Disclosure via Malicious Files

Summary

OEMMicrosoft
SeverityHigh
CVEsNot Yet Assigned
Exploited in WildNo
Patch/Remediation AvailableNo
Advisory Version1.0
Vulnerability Zero-Day

Overview

A newly discovered NTLM vulnerability in Windows, allows attackers to obtain login credentials when a user view a malicious file in Windows Explorer. This issue affects all Windows versions, from Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 to the most recent Windows 11 v24H2 and Server 2025.

Attackers can exploit this flaw by using shared network folders, USB drives, or previously downloaded malicious files, making credential theft easy and difficult to detect.

Vulnerability NameCVE IDProduct AffectedSeverityFix
             NTLM Hash Disclosure Vulnerability      Not Yet Assigned    Windows OS and Windows Server         High  Unofficial micropatch available via 0patch

Technical Summary

This vulnerability enables attackers to steal NTLM authentication credentials simply by having users view a malicious file in Windows Explorer. Unlike previous NTLM relay attack techniques that required users to execute files, this exploit works just by rendering the malicious file’s metadata in the Windows Explorer preview pane. Attackers can leverage this method in various ways:

  • Hosting a shared network folder containing the malicious file.
  • Distributing infected USB drives that trigger the attack when inserted.
  • Tricking users into downloading the malicious file from a compromised or attacker-controlled website.

Once the credentials are captured, attackers can use NTLM relay attacks to gain unauthorized access to internal systems, escalate privileges, and move laterally across the network.

CVE IDSystem AffectedVulnerability Technical DetailsImpact
  Not Assigned Yet  Windows 7 – Windows 11 v24H2, Server 2008 R2 – Server 2025Attackers can capture NTLM credentials when users view malicious files in Windows Explorer. Exploitation methods include shared folders, USB drives, or downloads.Credential theft, network compromise, and potential lateral movement.  

Recommendations

  • Microsoft Patch Awaited: The vulnerability has been reported to Microsoft, and an official security update is expected in the near future.
  • Unofficial Micropatch Available: Security researchers at 0patch have released an unofficial micropatch that mitigates this issue. The micropatch is available for all affected Windows versions and will remain free until an official fix is provided by Microsoft.

Steps to Apply 0patch Micropatch:

  1. Create a free account on 0patch Central.
  2. Install and register the 0patch Agent on affected systems.
  3. The micropatch is applied automatically without requiring a system reboot.

Security Best Practices

  • Disable NTLM authentication where possible.
  • Implement SMB signing to prevent relay attacks.
  • Restrict access to public-facing servers like Exchange to limit credential relaying risks.
  • Educate users to avoid interacting with unknown or suspicious files in shared folders and USB drives.

Conclusion

Although not classified as critical, this NTLM credential theft vulnerability is extremely harmful due to its ease of exploitation. Attackers can exploit NTLM hashes in relay attacks to compromise internal network resources.

Security researchers confirm that comparable flaws have been actively exploited in real-world assaults. Until an official Microsoft patch is available, organizations should prioritize applying the 0patch micropatch and following NTLM security best practices to reduce potential risks.

References:

Security Advisory

Zero-Day Threats Addressed in Microsoft’s March 2025 Patch Tuesday

Patch Tuesday

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Security Advisory

Palo Alto Firewall Vulnerabilities Under Active Exploitation 

An authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2025-0108) in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS allows unauthenticated attackers with network access to bypass authentication on the management web interface.

Summary 

OEM Palo Alto 
Severity High 
Date of Announcement 2025-02-19 
CVEs CVE-2025-0108 
CVSS Score 8.8 
Exploited in Wild Yes 
Patch/Remediation Available Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

‘Palo Alto Networks says threat actors used a publicly available PoC exploit in attack attempts against firewall customers with PAN-OS management interfaces exposed to the internet’.

This poses a significant risk, particularly when the interface is exposed to the internet or untrusted networks. CISA has added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog due to active exploitation. 

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Affected Version 
 Authentication Bypass Vulnerability  CVE-2025-0108  Pan OS         High PAN-OS 10.1: 10.1.0 through 10.1.14 PAN-OS 10.2: 10.2.0 through 10.2.13 PAN-OS 11.1: 11.1.0* through 11.1.6 PAN-OS 11.2: 11.2.0 through 11.2.4 

Technical Summary 

This authentication bypass flaw enables attackers to invoke specific PHP scripts without proper authorization, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the system. Attackers are chaining it with CVE-2024-9474 and CVE-2025-0111 to target unpatched instances. The risk is highest when the management interface is exposed directly to the internet, potentially enabling unauthorized access and manipulation of system configurations. 

Vulnerability Name Details Severity Impact 
 Authentication Bypass Vulnerability  This is an authentication bypass in PAN-OS allowing unauthenticated attackers to invoke PHP scripts on the management interface, compromising system integrity. The vulnerability is critical when exposed to the internet and can be exploited by chaining CVE-2024-9474 and CVE-2025-0111.         High Root access of the affected system, unauthorized file exfiltration. 

Recommendations 

  • Apply the security updates released on February 12, 2025, for PAN-OS versions 10.1, 10.2, 11.1, and 11.2 immediately. 

Here are the details of the required upgrades: 

Version Updated Version 
PAN-OS 11.2 Upgrade to 11.2.4-h4 or later 
PAN-OS 11.1 Upgrade to 11.1.6-h1 or later 
PAN-OS 10.2 Upgrade to 10.2.13-h3 or later 
PAN-OS 10.1 Upgrade to 10.1.14-h9 or later 

General Recommendations 

  • Restrict access to PAN-OS management interfaces to trusted IPs only. 
  • Continuously monitor for suspicious activity, including unauthorized file access and PHP script executions. 
  • Follow best practices for firewall security, including network segmentation and regular vulnerability assessments. 
  • Block IP addresses reported by GreyNoise that are actively targeting CVE-2025-0108, as well as any additional threat intelligence sources identifying malicious activity. 

Conclusion 

The active exploitation of these vulnerabilities highlights the critical need for timely patch management and robust access controls. Given the increasing attack surface and publicly available proof-of-concept exploits, organizations should prioritize remediation to prevent potential breaches. Palo Alto Networks urges customers to secure their firewalls immediately to mitigate this growing threat. 

The vulnerability is therefore of high severity on the CVSS and users were warned that while the PHP scripts that can be invoked, do not themselves enable remote code execution.

References: 

  • https://www.securityweek.com/palo-alto-networks-confirms-exploitation-of-firewall-vulnerability/ 
  • https://www.greynoise.io/blog/greynoise-observes-active-exploitation-of-pan-os-authentication-bypass-vulnerability-cve-2025-0108#GreyNoise   

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