Type Confusion Vulnerability in Windows Win32K by Microsoft

CVE-2025-50168

What is CVE-2025-50168?

CVE-2025-50168 is a type confusion vulnerability located within the Windows Win32K component developed by Microsoft. This critical flaw arises due to the incorrect handling of type mismatches, which allows an authorized attacker to manipulate resource access inappropriately. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can potentially elevate their privileges on the affected system locally, giving them unauthorized access to sensitive data and system functionalities. The implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning for organizations that rely heavily on Windows environments, as it can compromise system integrity and lead to broader security breaches.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-50168

1. Privilege Escalation: The primary risk associated with this vulnerability is the ability for attackers to elevate their privileges. This means that an adversary, once inside the network, could gain access to resources and perform actions that are typically restricted to higher-level users, leading to unauthorized data access and manipulation.

2. Security Breaches: With elevated privileges, attackers can potentially access confidential information, install malicious software, or alter system configurations. This creates the potential for a significant security breach that can affect the entire organization, leading to data loss and compliance violations.

3. Increased Attack Surface: The existence of this vulnerability expands the attack surface for threat actors. With proven methods to exploit privilege escalations, it could lead to a chain reaction of attacks, including the introduction of ransomware or other malicious activities that could cripple the organization’s operational capabilities.

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