Windows NTFS Under Siege: Unpacking CVE-2025-32707 Privilege Escalation
Introduction
Windows NTFS, the backbone file system for billions of devices worldwide, faces a critical security threat. CVE-2025-32707, an out-of-bounds read vulnerability, has emerged as a potent vector for attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM-level access, posing severe risks to enterprise security.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability specifically affects Windows systems utilizing the NTFS file system. Microsoft has not disclosed exact affected version ranges publicly; however, all currently supported Windows versions with NTFS enabled should be considered vulnerable until patched.
Technical Information
CVE-2025-32707 exploits improper memory boundary checks within the NTFS driver when handling specially crafted file metadata. The flaw allows attackers to read beyond allocated memory buffers, exposing sensitive kernel information. Attackers exploit this vulnerability locally by executing malicious binaries or interacting with crafted NTFS files, enabling privilege escalation to SYSTEM-level access.
Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attackers require local system access to exploit this vulnerability. Exploitation typically involves creating or manipulating NTFS file structures to trigger the out-of-bounds read, subsequently leaking kernel memory contents. This leaked information can then be leveraged to escalate privileges.
Patch Information
Microsoft has released security update KB5002695 as part of the May 2025 Patch Tuesday. Immediate application of this update is essential. The patch is available through Windows Update and the Microsoft Update Catalog:
Organizations unable to immediately patch should restrict local access and disable non-essential NTFS features as interim mitigations.
Detection Methods
Detection of exploitation attempts involves monitoring NTFS-related event logs, specifically Event IDs 4656 and 4663, for anomalous file operations. Organizations should also monitor for unusual privilege escalation events and unauthorized SYSTEM-level access.
Vendor Security History
Microsoft regularly addresses vulnerabilities through its monthly Patch Tuesday updates. However, NTFS has historically been susceptible to memory-related vulnerabilities, indicating ongoing challenges in securing legacy components.
References
Conclusion
CVE-2025-32707 highlights the critical importance of timely patching and proactive security measures. Organizations must swiftly apply Microsoft's provided updates and reinforce their security posture to mitigate the risks associated with this actively exploited vulnerability.
