CVE-2025-12050 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) affecting Insyde Software's InsydeH2O tools, specifically in the drivers that utilize the RTL_QUERY_REGISTRY_DIRECT flag to read registry values. This flag is used to query the Windows registry directly, but the implementation in the affected drivers fails to properly validate or bound-check the data read from the registry. An untrusted user-mode application with limited privileges can manipulate the registry values to cause a buffer overflow in the kernel-mode driver. This out-of-bounds write can corrupt memory, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, escalate local privileges, or cause system instability and denial of service. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges (PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 indicates high severity due to the combined high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and relatively low attack complexity. No public exploits are currently known, but the vulnerability is critical enough to warrant immediate attention. The affected product, InsydeH2O, is a widely used BIOS/UEFI firmware solution embedded in many OEM devices, making this a significant supply chain risk. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates interim mitigations and heightened monitoring.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially to enterprises and critical infrastructure relying on hardware with InsydeH2O firmware. Successful exploitation can lead to local privilege escalation, allowing attackers to gain kernel-level access, bypass security controls, and potentially implant persistent malware or rootkits. This compromises system confidentiality, integrity, and availability, threatening sensitive data and operational continuity. Industries such as manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and government, which often use OEM hardware with Insyde BIOS, are particularly vulnerable. The ability to exploit this flaw without user interaction and with low privileges increases the risk of insider threats or malware spreading laterally within networks. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score underscores the urgency for mitigation. Disruption or compromise of critical systems could have cascading effects on supply chains and national security within Europe.

1. Apply official patches from Insyde Software as soon as they become available to address the out-of-bounds write vulnerability. 2. Until patches are released, restrict local user permissions rigorously to prevent untrusted applications from accessing or modifying registry keys related to InsydeH2O drivers. 3. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection to detect and block unauthorized attempts to interact with vulnerable drivers or registry keys. 4. Monitor system logs and registry access patterns for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unusual queries using RTL_QUERY_REGISTRY_DIRECT. 5. Employ kernel integrity monitoring tools to detect memory corruption or unauthorized code execution in kernel space. 6. Coordinate with hardware vendors and OEMs to identify affected devices and prioritize firmware updates. 7. Educate IT and security teams about the vulnerability to enhance incident response readiness. 8. Consider network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a local compromise occurs. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups and recovery plans to mitigate potential denial-of-service or ransomware attacks leveraging this vulnerability.