Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability in Windows Win32K by Microsoft

CVE-2025-49667

What is CVE-2025-49667?

CVE-2025-49667 is a vulnerability identified within the Windows Win32K component of the Microsoft operating system, categorized as an elevation of privilege vulnerability. This particular flaw arises from a double-free memory error, which occurs when a program attempts to free a block of memory that has already been released. In the context of this vulnerability, an authorized attacker could leverage this flaw to increase their privileges on the system. Such an escalation could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions, potentially leading to unauthorized access and compromise of sensitive data or system integrity within an organization’s IT environment. Given the widespread use of Windows operating systems in enterprise settings, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizational security and operational continuity.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-49667

1. Unauthorized System Access: The vulnerability enables attackers to gain elevated privileges, which could grant them unauthorized access to critical system functions and sensitive information within the affected environment.

2. Data Breaches: With the ability to execute code at higher privilege levels, attackers could potentially exfiltrate sensitive data, leading to significant data breaches that can have legal and financial repercussions for organizations.

3. System Compromise and Malware Installation: This vulnerability could facilitate further compromise of the affected systems, allowing attackers to install malware, disrupt services, or use the system as part of a larger coordinated attack, including the deployment of ransomware.

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