overview

CVE-2025-24993 is a critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Windows NTFS (New Technology File System) that allows an authorized attacker to execute code locally. This flaw enables attackers to potentially gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected systems, posing significant security risks.

Affected Products and Versions:

  • Windows 10 Version 1507 32-bit Systems: versions 10.0.10240.0 to 10.0.10240.20946
  • Windows 10 Version 1607 32-bit Systems: versions 10.0.14393.0 to 10.0.14393.7875
  • Windows 10 Version 1809 32-bit Systems: versions 10.0.17763.0 to 10.0.17763.7008
  • Windows Server 2019: versions prior to 10.0.17763.7009

Microsoft has released patches for the affected versions in their March 2025 Patch Tuesday update. The vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. Attackers can exploit this flaw by tricking a local user on a vulnerable system into mounting a specially crafted Virtual Hard Disk (VHD). This action triggers the vulnerability, potentially leading to local code execution with elevated privileges.

CISA has added CVE-2025-24993 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, indicating the severity and active exploitation of this vulnerability. The agency has requested users to patch it before April 1, 2025.

 

 

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IOCs ADDED TO OUR THREAT FEEDS

At this time, there are no confirmed Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) associated with successful exploitation of CVE-2025-24993. Security researchers and organizations are actively investigating this vulnerability to identify potential IoCs.

While specific IoCs are not yet available, the following information may be helpful for detection and mitigation efforts:

  • The vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow in Windows NTFS.
  • Exploitation requires an attacker to trick a local user into mounting a specially crafted Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) file.
  • The flaw allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally on affected systems.

Organizations are advised to:

  1. Apply the latest Microsoft security updates as soon as possible.
  2. Monitor for any suspicious activity related to VHD file mounting or unexpected code execution.
  3. Implement security best practices, including least privilege access and user awareness training.

 

MITRE ATT&CK AND TTPs

Based on the nature of CVE-2025-24993, the following MITRE ATT&CK Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) are potentially associated with this vulnerability:

Execution

  • T1204 - User Execution: The attacker may trick a user into mounting a specially crafted Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) file, triggering the vulnerability.
  • T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution: Exploiting the heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Windows NTFS to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Privilege Escalation

  • T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation: The attacker may leverage this vulnerability to elevate privileges from a standard user to SYSTEM level.

Defense Evasion

  • T1055 - Process Injection: The heap-based buffer overflow could potentially be used to inject malicious code into a legitimate NTFS process.

Lateral Movement

  • T1570 - Lateral Tool Transfer: An attacker might use this vulnerability to transfer malicious VHD files across the network to compromise additional systems.

Impact

  • T1565 - Data Manipulation: The ability to execute code locally through NTFS could allow an attacker to manipulate or corrupt file system data.

 

 

additional Recommendations + information

  1. Immediate Mitigation:
  • Restrict access to NTFS volumes to authorized users only.
  • Disable the ability to mount virtual hard disks (VHDs) on affected systems:
    • Use Group Policy to prevent users from attaching VHDs.
    • Go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Removable Storage Access and enable "All Removable Storage classes: Deny all access".
  • Implement strict controls on file execution from removable media and network shares.
  1. Patch and Monitor Systems:
  • Apply the March 2025 Patch Tuesday updates immediately.
  • Enable Windows Update for automatic patch application.
  • Implement a vulnerability management program to track and prioritize patching.
  • Monitor system logs for unusual NTFS-related activities or unexpected code execution.
  1. Network Security:
  • Implement network segmentation to isolate systems with sensitive NTFS volumes.
  • Use intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor for exploitation attempts.
  • Enable Windows Defender Exploit Guard to prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities.
  • Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution.
  1. User Education and Access Control:
  • Train users not to mount untrusted VHDs or open suspicious files.
  • Implement the principle of least privilege for user accounts.
  • Use multi-factor authentication for all user accounts, especially those with administrative privileges.
  1. Backup and Recovery:
  • Ensure critical data on NTFS volumes is regularly backed up to secure, offline storage.
  • Test restoration procedures to ensure quick recovery in case of successful exploitation.

Organizations should stay vigilant and monitor Microsoft's security advisories for any updates or additional mitigation strategies related to this vulnerability.

 

 

ADDITIONAL SERVICE OFFERINGS

Avertium offers several services to help organizations mitigate, monitor, and respond to threats like CVE-2025-24993:


Threat Detection & Response (TDR):  Avertium's TDR service integrates all aspects of security operations into an XDR-informed threat detection and response system, crucial for detecting and responding to potential exploits of CVE-2025-24993. This service includes:

  • Proactive threat hunting to detect potential NTFS vulnerabilities
  • Real-time monitoring of Windows systems for unusual behavior
  • Rapid incident response to contain and mitigate any successful exploits

Attack Surface Management (ASM):  Avertium's ASM service is essential for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-24993 within an organization's IT infrastructure. This service helps by:

  • Continuously scanning for vulnerable Windows systems
  • Prioritizing patching efforts based on risk assessment
  • Providing acceleration and optimization services to quickly address critical vulnerabilities

Microsoft Security Solutions: Given that CVE-2025-24993 affects Windows NTFS, Avertium's expertise in Microsoft Security Solutions is particularly relevant. This service offers:

  • Comprehensive support to maximize security investments in Microsoft environments
  • Threat detection rules and data correlation specific to Windows vulnerabilities
  • Simplified endpoint management strategy to reduce risk and improve compliance readiness

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): Avertium's GRC services can help organizations ensure they're adequately protected against vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-24993. This includes:

  • Compliance audits to verify that all systems are properly patched and secured
  • Enterprise risk management to assess the potential impact of NTFS vulnerabilities
  • Security practice alignment with regulations to ensure ongoing protection against similar threats

By leveraging these Avertium services, organizations can significantly enhance their ability to detect, prevent, and respond to potential exploits of CVE-2025-24993, ensuring a robust defense against this critical Windows NTFS vulnerability.


 

 

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