Introduction
Windows administrators face a critical security challenge with CVE-2025-48821, a use-after-free vulnerability in the Windows Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Device Host service. This flaw, rated high severity with a CVSS score of 7.1, allows attackers on adjacent networks to escalate privileges, potentially gaining unauthorized system-level access without user interaction.
Technical Information
The vulnerability (CWE-416) originates from improper memory handling within the UPnP Device Host service (upnphost.dll). Specifically, the service fails to nullify pointers after freeing memory blocks, creating a use-after-free condition. An attacker can exploit this by sending maliciously crafted UPnP discovery packets over an adjacent network, triggering memory reallocation with attacker-controlled data. This exploitation method allows overwriting critical kernel structures, resulting in privilege escalation to SYSTEM-level access.
Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
- Adjacent Network Exploitation: Attackers must be on the same network segment as the target.
- No Authentication Required: Exploitation leverages inherent trust in local network traffic.
Patch Information
Microsoft has released a security update to address the vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48821. This update modifies the way the affected component handles specific requests, ensuring that it properly validates and sanitizes inputs to prevent potential exploitation. By applying this patch, systems are safeguarded against unauthorized access and potential remote code execution associated with this vulnerability. Administrators are strongly encouraged to deploy this update promptly to maintain the security and integrity of their systems.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Windows 10: Versions 1507, 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2
- Windows 11: Versions 22H2, 23H2, 24H2
- Windows Server: 2019, 2022, 2025
Vendor Security History
Microsoft regularly addresses vulnerabilities through monthly Patch Tuesday updates, consistently responding to security issues within a 30-day average SLA. However, legacy components like UPnP have historically been vulnerable, with similar privilege escalation issues previously identified (e.g., CVE-2019-1405).
References
Source: This report was created using AI
If you have suggestions for improvement or feedback, please reach out to us at [email protected]
