Critical Microsoft Vulnerabilities: How to Protect Your Systems in 2025

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

This extensive list indicates that both individual users and organizations utilizing Microsoft systems are at risk.
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)

Potential Impacts
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.

These impacts can result in data breaches, ransomware attacks, and significant operational disruptions.
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.

Understanding the Root Causes
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.

Given the widespread use of Microsoft products, addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining system security and integrity.
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.

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Source: Moneycontrol https://www.moneycontrol.com/techno...-tips-to-stay-protected-article-13044535.html

 

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The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has recently issued a high-severity cybersecurity advisory concerning multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft products, including Windows operating systems, Office suite, Azure services, and other applications. These vulnerabilities could potentially allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, execute remote code, access sensitive information, bypass security restrictions, conduct spoofing attacks, and cause denial-of-service conditions. (indiatoday.in)
Affected Microsoft Products:

• Operating Systems: Windows 10 (versions 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2), Windows 11 (versions 21H2, 22H2, 23H2, 24H2), Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
• Applications and Services: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based), Developer Tools, Azure services, and other Microsoft applications. (economictimes.indiatimes.com)

Potential Risks:
Exploitation of these vulnerabilities could lead to:

• Data Theft: Unauthorized access to sensitive information.
• System Compromise: Attackers gaining control over affected systems.
• Service Disruption: Denial-of-service conditions causing system crashes or unavailability.

Recommendations for Users:

• Apply Security Updates: Ensure that all Microsoft products are updated with the latest security patches. Microsoft has released updates addressing these vulnerabilities. (cisecurity.org)
• Enable Security Features: Activate firewalls and use up-to-date antivirus software to detect and prevent malicious activities.
• Exercise Caution: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources to prevent phishing attacks.
• Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of important data to mitigate the impact of potential data loss.

Staying vigilant and proactive in applying security measures is crucial to protect systems from potential cyber threats.

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Source: NewsBytes Attention! Your Windows device may be at high-risk of cyberattacks