Paragon Driver Exploited: A New Ransomware Attack Vector for Windows
A fresh threat is looming over Windows users as ransomware attackers have begun exploiting vulnerabilities in a trusted, kernel-level driver used by Paragon Partition Manager. In an alarming development, cybercriminals are leveraging a Microsoft-approved driver, BioNTdrv.sys, to gain SYSTEM-level control over Windows systems—even if Paragon Partition Manager isn’t installed. Let’s break down exactly what’s happening, why it matters, and what steps you can take to secure your system.The Anatomy of the Attack
Vulnerable Framework with Trusted Credentials
Paragon Partition Manager is a well-known disk management tool used to create and manage storage partitions. At its core is the driver file, BioNTdrv.sys, which holds Microsoft’s digital stamp of approval. This signature means Windows automatically trusts and loads the driver, granting it privileged access to hardware. Cybercriminals have now found a way to abuse this inner trust.Details of the Vulnerabilities
Five significant security flaws were identified in the BioNTdrv.sys driver, with one flaw, in particular, (CVE-2025-0289) being actively exploited in ransomware attacks via a Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) technique. Here’s a quick rundown of the vulnerabilities:- CVE-2025-0288: An arbitrary kernel memory vulnerability in Paragon Partition Manager version 7.9.1 that allows malicious writing to kernel memory, paving the way for privilege escalation.
- CVE-2025-0287: A null pointer dereference vulnerability leading to arbitrary kernel code execution in version 7.9.1.
- CVE-2025-0286: A flaw permitting arbitrary kernel memory writes, resulting in potential arbitrary code execution.
- CVE-2025-0285: An arbitrary kernel memory mapping vulnerability that facilitates further privilege escalation.
- CVE-2025-0289: An insecure kernel resource access vulnerability in version 17 that permits privileged code execution by using an unvalidated attacker-controlled pointer.
How the BYOVD Technique Works
The term Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) might sound like a feature of modern workplaces—but in cybersecurity, it’s a dangerous exploit strategy. Here’s how attackers use it:- Exploitation Without Installation: Even if the Paragon Partition Manager isn’t installed, attackers can manually inject the vulnerable BioNTdrv.sys driver onto a Windows system.
- Digital Signature Abuse: Because the driver is digitally signed by Microsoft, Windows inherently trusts it. This means the operating system will load the driver without hesitation, even if it contains exploitable bugs.
- Complete System Takeover: Once the driver is active, attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to write arbitrary code into kernel memory, thereby escalating privileges to SYSTEM-level control. This lets them hijack a machine entirely, bypassing many traditional security mechanisms.
Mitigation Steps & Security Advice
Immediate Actions for Windows Users
The good news is that both Paragon Software and Microsoft are not sitting idly by:- Driver Update Released: Paragon Software has promptly released a new driver—BioNTdrv.sys version 2.0.0—to address these vulnerabilities.
- Vulnerable Driver Blocklist in Windows 11: Microsoft has added the affected versions of the driver to its Vulnerable Driver Blocklist. On Windows 11, this blocklist is enabled by default, meaning the OS will refuse to load the vulnerable driver even if it finds its way into your system.
Recommended Best Practices
To bolster your Windows defenses, consider these steps:- Verify Your Software Versions: Check whether your installation of Paragon Partition Manager is affected and update to the latest version if necessary.
- Stay Informed on Blocklists: If you’re using Windows 11, ensure that system updates are applied so that the default Vulnerable Driver Blocklist remains current.
- Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Be vigilant in monitoring system behavior using reputable endpoint security tools that can detect anomalous activities indicative of kernel-level exploits.
- Regular Update and Patch Management: Always ensure that your operating system and all drivers are up-to-date. Cybercriminals often exploit outdated or unpatched software.
For IT Administrators
Administrators need to maintain a holistic approach to securing organizational systems:- Audit System Drivers: Perform regular audits to identify any legacy software or drivers that might pose a risk.
- Enforce Group Policies: Utilize Windows security tools like Device Guard and Windows Defender Application Control to restrict unauthorized driver loading.
- Educate Teams: Ensure that your teams are aware of these types of vulnerabilities, particularly the BYOVD attack vector, so they can take extra care when handling third-party software installations.
Broader Implications for Windows Security
A Wake-Up Call for Kernel-Level Security
The exploitation of a trusted Microsoft-signed driver highlights a deeper systemic issue: even high-trust components can become entry points for malicious attacks if vulnerabilities are present. Windows users and IT professionals must not be lulled into a false sense of security merely because a driver carries a digital signature.Shifting Cybersecurity Paradigms
Often, discussions around ransomware focus on phishing or network-level exploits—but this incident adds another layer of complexity. Kernel-level exploits demand a reevaluation of trust models in modern operating systems. The BYOVD technique, in particular, forces us to think about how attackers can co-opt the very mechanisms that are meant to protect our systems.A Historical Perspective
Historically, many security breaches have exploited lower-layer vulnerabilities. Remember the days when outdated third-party components were the Achilles’ heel of an otherwise secure system? This is not entirely new, but it is a stark reminder that as technologies evolve, so too must our defensive measures. The ongoing development of driver blocklists and enhanced kernel security measures are testament to the importance of proactive cybersecurity.Conclusion: Proactive Vigilance in a Changing Landscape
The recent breach involving Paragon Partition Manager’s BioNTdrv.sys driver serves as a crucial reminder: even the most trusted components can become weapons in the wrong hands. For Windows users, this underscores the need to continually update software, heed warnings from cybersecurity authorities like CERT/CC, and remain vigilant about system integrity.Keep your system updated to leverage Microsoft’s Vulnerable Driver Blocklist, apply patches promptly from software vendors, and educate your team on such emerging threats. In a landscape where kernel-level exploits are increasingly on the radar for cybercriminals, a pro-active approach is your best line of defense.
By understanding the nuances of this attack and following recommended best practices, you can minimize the risk of experiencing a full system takeover. Stay informed, stay patched, and above all, stay secure.
For further Windows security insights, check out our ongoing discussions on professional IT practices and the latest cybersecurity advisories from trusted sources. Stay ahead of the curve on WindowsForum.com for all critical updates.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/04/paragon_partition_manager_ransomware_driver/
