Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Extension Hit by Critical Use-After-Free Flaw (CVE-2025-48806)

Introduction

A critical vulnerability has emerged in Microsoft's MPEG-2 Video Extension, a widely utilized component for MPEG video playback on Windows systems. Identified as CVE-2025-48806, this use-after-free flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code locally, posing significant risks to system integrity and security. With a CVSS score of 7.8, immediate attention and remediation are essential to prevent potential exploitation.

Technical Information

The vulnerability originates from improper memory management within the MPEG-2 Video Extension, specifically a use-after-free condition (CWE-416). This occurs when the extension improperly handles memory pointers after freeing memory blocks during video decoding. Attackers exploit this flaw by crafting malicious MPEG-2 video files (.mpeg, .mpg, .ts) that, upon playback, trigger memory corruption and enable arbitrary code execution.

Exploitation requires user interaction, typically through opening a malicious video file via applications like Windows Media Player or Movies & TV. While the vulnerability does not directly enable remote exploitation without user interaction, attackers can distribute malicious video files through email attachments, compromised websites, or network shares, significantly increasing the potential attack surface.

Patch Information

In the July 2023 Patch Tuesday release, Microsoft addressed several critical vulnerabilities across various Windows components. One notable fix targeted the Windows MSHTML Platform, susceptible to an elevation of privilege vulnerability (CVE-2023-32046). This flaw allowed attackers to gain the rights of the user running the affected application by opening a specially crafted file through email or malicious websites. The update rectified this by enhancing the security mechanisms within the MSHTML platform to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.

Another significant update was for the Windows SmartScreen, which had a security feature bypass vulnerability (CVE-2023-32049). Exploitation of this flaw could prevent the display of the Open File - Security Warning prompt when downloading and opening files from the Internet. Microsoft's patch improved validation processes within SmartScreen to ensure security warnings are appropriately triggered, safeguarding users from potentially harmful files.

Additionally, the Windows Error Reporting Service was found to have an elevation of privilege vulnerability (CVE-2023-36874). An attacker with local access could exploit this to gain administrator privileges on the system. The update addressed this issue by correcting how the Error Reporting Service handles certain operations, ensuring it does not improperly grant elevated privileges.

These patches are part of Microsoft's ongoing commitment to enhancing the security and stability of its operating systems. Users are strongly encouraged to apply these updates promptly to protect their systems from potential exploits.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability specifically affects Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Extension versions prior to the July 2025 security update. Users should verify their extension version and ensure it is updated to version 2.0.2025.701 or later.

Vendor Security History

Microsoft has previously encountered similar vulnerabilities within the MPEG-2 Video Extension, notably CVE-2021-38644, a remote code execution flaw. This recurrence highlights ongoing challenges in memory management and emphasizes the importance of timely patching and proactive security measures.

References

Source: This report was created using AI

If you have suggestions for improvement or feedback, please reach out to us at [email protected]