CVE-2025-55339: CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read in Microsoft Windows 11 version 22H2
Out-of-bounds read in Windows NDIS allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-55339 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability classified under CWE-125 found in the Windows Network Driver Interface Specification (NDIS) component of Microsoft Windows 11 version 22H2 (build 10.0.22621.0). The flaw arises when the NDIS driver improperly handles memory boundaries, allowing an attacker with authorized local access to read memory outside the intended buffer. This can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information and potentially facilitate privilege escalation by corrupting memory or bypassing security controls. The vulnerability requires local privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N), and the attack complexity is low (AC:L), indicating it is relatively straightforward to exploit once access is obtained. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits or patches are currently available, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the critical nature of NDIS in network communications and system stability. The flaw could be leveraged to gain SYSTEM-level privileges, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code or disable security mechanisms. This vulnerability underscores the importance of securing local access and monitoring for suspicious activity on affected Windows 11 systems.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-55339 is substantial for organizations worldwide using Windows 11 version 22H2. Successful exploitation allows attackers to escalate privileges locally, potentially gaining SYSTEM-level access. This can lead to full system compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of network services, and the ability to install persistent malware or backdoors. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by exposing memory contents, integrity by enabling unauthorized code execution, and availability by potentially causing system instability or crashes. Organizations with multi-user environments, shared workstations, or remote desktop services are at higher risk. The lack of required user interaction and low attack complexity increase the likelihood of exploitation once local access is obtained. This elevates the threat to critical infrastructure, government agencies, enterprises, and any environment relying on Windows 11 22H2, especially where local user privileges are not tightly controlled.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2025-55339, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Restrict local access to trusted users only and enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize the number of accounts with local privileges. 2) Monitor and audit local user activities for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected memory access patterns or privilege escalations. 3) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block suspicious processes attempting to exploit the vulnerability. 4) Isolate critical systems and limit network exposure of Windows 11 22H2 machines to reduce the risk of unauthorized local access. 5) Stay informed on Microsoft security advisories and apply patches promptly once released. 6) Consider deploying enhanced memory protection technologies such as Control Flow Guard (CFG) and Kernel-mode Code Signing (KMCS) to reduce exploitation success. 7) Use virtualization-based security features available in Windows 11 to contain potential exploits. These targeted steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on reducing local attack surface and enhancing detection capabilities specific to memory corruption and privilege escalation threats.
Affected Countries
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Netherlands
CVE-2025-55339: CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read in Microsoft Windows 11 version 22H2
Description
Out-of-bounds read in Windows NDIS allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-55339 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability classified under CWE-125 found in the Windows Network Driver Interface Specification (NDIS) component of Microsoft Windows 11 version 22H2 (build 10.0.22621.0). The flaw arises when the NDIS driver improperly handles memory boundaries, allowing an attacker with authorized local access to read memory outside the intended buffer. This can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information and potentially facilitate privilege escalation by corrupting memory or bypassing security controls. The vulnerability requires local privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N), and the attack complexity is low (AC:L), indicating it is relatively straightforward to exploit once access is obtained. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits or patches are currently available, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the critical nature of NDIS in network communications and system stability. The flaw could be leveraged to gain SYSTEM-level privileges, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code or disable security mechanisms. This vulnerability underscores the importance of securing local access and monitoring for suspicious activity on affected Windows 11 systems.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-55339 is substantial for organizations worldwide using Windows 11 version 22H2. Successful exploitation allows attackers to escalate privileges locally, potentially gaining SYSTEM-level access. This can lead to full system compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of network services, and the ability to install persistent malware or backdoors. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by exposing memory contents, integrity by enabling unauthorized code execution, and availability by potentially causing system instability or crashes. Organizations with multi-user environments, shared workstations, or remote desktop services are at higher risk. The lack of required user interaction and low attack complexity increase the likelihood of exploitation once local access is obtained. This elevates the threat to critical infrastructure, government agencies, enterprises, and any environment relying on Windows 11 22H2, especially where local user privileges are not tightly controlled.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2025-55339, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Restrict local access to trusted users only and enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize the number of accounts with local privileges. 2) Monitor and audit local user activities for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected memory access patterns or privilege escalations. 3) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block suspicious processes attempting to exploit the vulnerability. 4) Isolate critical systems and limit network exposure of Windows 11 22H2 machines to reduce the risk of unauthorized local access. 5) Stay informed on Microsoft security advisories and apply patches promptly once released. 6) Consider deploying enhanced memory protection technologies such as Control Flow Guard (CFG) and Kernel-mode Code Signing (KMCS) to reduce exploitation success. 7) Use virtualization-based security features available in Windows 11 to contain potential exploits. These targeted steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on reducing local attack surface and enhancing detection capabilities specific to memory corruption and privilege escalation threats.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2025-08-12T20:19:59.425Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 68ee85853dd1bfb0b7e3f145
Added to database: 10/14/2025, 5:16:53 PM
Last enriched: 3/1/2026, 11:52:51 PM
Last updated: 3/21/2026, 2:24:18 AM
Views: 63
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