CVE-2025-21208: CWE-122: Heap-based Buffer Overflow in Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-21208 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-122, affecting the Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) component of Microsoft Windows Server 2019 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability arises from improper handling of input data within RRAS, leading to a buffer overflow condition on the heap. Exploitation can be triggered remotely over the network without requiring authentication, although it requires some user interaction. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected service, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by enabling remote code execution (RCE), which could allow attackers to install malware, exfiltrate data, or disrupt network services. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8 (high), reflecting the ease of exploitation (network vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required) and the critical impact on system security. No public exploits are currently known, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be considered a significant risk. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate defensive measures to reduce exposure. RRAS is commonly used in enterprise environments for VPN and routing services, making this vulnerability particularly relevant for organizations relying on Windows Server 2019 for network infrastructure.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-21208 can be severe. Enterprises and service providers using Windows Server 2019 with RRAS enabled may face risks of remote code execution attacks that could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and disruption of critical network services. This is especially concerning for sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and telecommunications, where network availability and data confidentiality are paramount. Compromise of RRAS could allow attackers to pivot within internal networks, escalate privileges, and deploy ransomware or espionage tools. The vulnerability's remote and unauthenticated attack vector increases the likelihood of exploitation attempts, potentially affecting large numbers of servers across Europe. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction may limit automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments with frequent legitimate user activity. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but organizations must act swiftly to prevent future attacks.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches or updates for Windows Server 2019 RRAS as soon as they become available. 2. Until patches are released, restrict network exposure of RRAS services by implementing firewall rules to limit access to trusted IP addresses and VPN endpoints only. 3. Disable RRAS if it is not required for business operations to eliminate the attack surface. 4. Employ network intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to detect anomalous traffic patterns targeting RRAS. 5. Enforce strict user interaction policies and educate users about the risks of interacting with unsolicited network prompts or connections. 6. Conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests focusing on RRAS and related network services. 7. Implement network segmentation to isolate critical servers and limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 8. Maintain comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect early signs of exploitation attempts. 9. Review and harden RRAS configuration settings to minimize unnecessary features and services. 10. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential RRAS exploitation scenarios.
Affected Countries
Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria
CVE-2025-21208: CWE-122: Heap-based Buffer Overflow in Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Description
Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-21208 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-122, affecting the Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) component of Microsoft Windows Server 2019 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability arises from improper handling of input data within RRAS, leading to a buffer overflow condition on the heap. Exploitation can be triggered remotely over the network without requiring authentication, although it requires some user interaction. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected service, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by enabling remote code execution (RCE), which could allow attackers to install malware, exfiltrate data, or disrupt network services. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8 (high), reflecting the ease of exploitation (network vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required) and the critical impact on system security. No public exploits are currently known, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be considered a significant risk. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate defensive measures to reduce exposure. RRAS is commonly used in enterprise environments for VPN and routing services, making this vulnerability particularly relevant for organizations relying on Windows Server 2019 for network infrastructure.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-21208 can be severe. Enterprises and service providers using Windows Server 2019 with RRAS enabled may face risks of remote code execution attacks that could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and disruption of critical network services. This is especially concerning for sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and telecommunications, where network availability and data confidentiality are paramount. Compromise of RRAS could allow attackers to pivot within internal networks, escalate privileges, and deploy ransomware or espionage tools. The vulnerability's remote and unauthenticated attack vector increases the likelihood of exploitation attempts, potentially affecting large numbers of servers across Europe. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction may limit automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments with frequent legitimate user activity. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but organizations must act swiftly to prevent future attacks.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches or updates for Windows Server 2019 RRAS as soon as they become available. 2. Until patches are released, restrict network exposure of RRAS services by implementing firewall rules to limit access to trusted IP addresses and VPN endpoints only. 3. Disable RRAS if it is not required for business operations to eliminate the attack surface. 4. Employ network intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to detect anomalous traffic patterns targeting RRAS. 5. Enforce strict user interaction policies and educate users about the risks of interacting with unsolicited network prompts or connections. 6. Conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests focusing on RRAS and related network services. 7. Implement network segmentation to isolate critical servers and limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 8. Maintain comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect early signs of exploitation attempts. 9. Review and harden RRAS configuration settings to minimize unnecessary features and services. 10. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential RRAS exploitation scenarios.
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2024-12-05T21:43:30.769Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69432efc058703ef3fc97fa4
Added to database: 12/17/2025, 10:30:20 PM
Last enriched: 12/17/2025, 11:19:01 PM
Last updated: 12/20/2025, 2:25:17 PM
Views: 4
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