In April 2025, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued a high-severity cybersecurity advisory concerning multiple vulnerabilities across various Microsoft products. These vulnerabilities pose significant risks, including remote code execution, privilege escalation, and potential system crashes. The advisory underscores the importance of prompt action to mitigate these threats.
Scope of Affected Products
The vulnerabilities impact a broad spectrum of Microsoft software, including:
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Azure
- Microsoft Developer Tools
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Apps
- Microsoft System Center
- Extended Security Updates (ESU) for legacy Microsoft products
Details of the Vulnerabilities
Among the reported vulnerabilities, several are particularly critical:
- CVE-2025-29824: An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) Driver. Exploitation could grant attackers SYSTEM-level privileges, leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability has been observed in active exploitation. (cert.europa.eu)
- CVE-2025-26663 and CVE-2025-26670: Unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerabilities in the Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). Attackers can exploit these by sending specially crafted requests to a vulnerable LDAP server, potentially leading to a use-after-free scenario. (cert.europa.eu)
- CVE-2025-27480 and CVE-2025-27482: Remote code execution vulnerabilities in Windows Remote Desktop Services (RDP). Exploitation requires an attacker to connect to a system with the Remote Desktop Gateway role and trigger a race condition, creating an exploitable use-after-free scenario. (cert.europa.eu)
- CVE-2025-29791, CVE-2025-27749, CVE-2025-27748, CVE-2025-27745, and CVE-2025-27752: Remote code execution flaws in Microsoft Office and Excel applications. Attackers could exploit these by using specially crafted Excel documents, potentially gaining full system control. (cert.europa.eu)
The exploitation of these vulnerabilities could lead to:
- Remote Code Execution: Attackers executing arbitrary code on the affected system.
- Privilege Escalation: Gaining elevated access rights, potentially leading to full system control.
- Sensitive Information Disclosure: Unauthorized access to confidential data.
- Security Feature Bypass: Circumventing established security measures.
- Spoofing Attacks: Impersonating legitimate entities to deceive users.
- Denial of Service (DoS): Disrupting system availability and functionality.
Recommended Actions
CERT-In advises the following measures to mitigate these risks:
- Apply Security Patches: Implement the latest security updates provided by Microsoft promptly.
- Verify Patch Deployment: Ensure that all systems have received and correctly applied the patches.
- Monitor System Logs: Regularly review logs for any unusual activities or anomalies.
- Restrict Access: Limit exposure to sensitive assets by controlling access permissions.
- Exercise Caution: Avoid interacting with suspicious links or attachments.
- Maintain Antivirus Solutions: Keep antivirus software updated to detect and prevent potential threats.
These vulnerabilities often stem from:
- Coding Flaws: Errors or oversights in software development.
- Insecure Configurations: Improper setup of software or systems.
- Insufficient Validation: Lack of thorough input validation or error handling.
Conclusion
The recent advisory from CERT-In highlights the critical need for vigilance and proactive measures in the face of emerging cybersecurity threats. By staying informed and implementing recommended security practices, users and organizations can significantly reduce their vulnerability to potential attacks.
Source: Moneycontrol https://www.moneycontrol.com/techno...-tips-to-stay-protected-article-13044535.html