CVE-2025-48000: Windows Connected Devices Platform Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Introduction

In an increasingly connected world, device management services like Windows Connected Devices Platform Service (CDPSvc) have become critical. However, the discovery of CVE-2025-48000, a use-after-free vulnerability, has cast a shadow over this essential service. This flaw enables local attackers with authenticated access to escalate privileges to SYSTEM-level, potentially compromising entire systems and networks.

Technical Information

Vulnerability Mechanics

CVE-2025-48000 is rooted in a use-after-free condition (CWE-416) within the Windows Connected Devices Platform Service. This occurs when the service improperly manages object references during device connection and disconnection sequences, leading to memory corruption. When an attacker triggers this condition through crafted device interactions or malicious applications, it can result in arbitrary code execution at elevated privileges.

Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods

Local Exploitation: Requires authenticated local access, significantly limiting remote exploitation risks.
Device Interaction Dependency: Exploitation may involve malicious device pairing or crafted local applications to trigger the vulnerability.
Privilege Escalation: Successful exploitation grants SYSTEM-level privileges, allowing full control over the affected system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Windows 11: All supported versions prior to the July 2025 security update.
Windows 10: All supported versions utilizing CDPSvc prior to the July 2025 security update.
Windows Server: Versions utilizing CDPSvc prior to the July 2025 security update.

Systems actively using device connectivity features such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct are particularly vulnerable.

Patch Information

Microsoft has released a security update to address CVE-2025-48000. This update modifies the Windows Connected Devices Platform Service's handling of certain requests to prevent exploitation. The patch is included in the July 2025 security updates for Windows 11. Users are advised to install the latest updates immediately to ensure their systems are protected.

Patch sources:

Vendor Security History

Microsoft has historically maintained a robust security posture, regularly addressing vulnerabilities through monthly Patch Tuesday updates. However, recurring issues in services managing connected devices, such as previous high-memory-usage flaws in CDPSvc, indicate ongoing challenges in securing these complex features.