Out-of-Bounds Read Vulnerability in Windows Desktop Window Manager by Microsoft

CVE-2025-55681

What is CVE-2025-55681?

CVE-2025-55681 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability found within the Windows Desktop Window Manager (DWM) developed by Microsoft. The DWM is responsible for rendering the visual effects of the Windows desktop, such as window animations and graphical effects, contributing to user experience and system aesthetics. This particular vulnerability allows authorized attackers to exploit the DWM, potentially leading to privilege escalation on affected systems. By gaining higher-level access, attackers could manipulate system settings, access sensitive information, or execute unauthorized actions, ultimately undermining the security and integrity of organizational infrastructures.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-55681

1. Privilege Escalation: The vulnerability can be exploited to elevate privileges, allowing an attacker who has already gained access to execute more powerful commands that could compromise system security and access confidential data.

2. Unauthorized Access: Exploitation may enable attackers to access restricted areas of the system, leading to potential data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and disruption of services.

3. System Integrity Compromise: By leveraging this vulnerability, malicious actors could alter system configurations or introduce malicious software, thereby compromising the overall integrity and reliability of the affected systems within an organization.

News Articles

Cyber Press

CVE-2025-55681

Microsoft Desktop Window Manager Vulnerability Allows Privilege Escalation

The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-55681, resides in the dwmcore!CBrushRenderingGraphBuilderAddEffectBrush function and affects Windows systems through a complex attack chain.

1 month ago

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