elevated privileges Archives

Winsage

April 24, 2025

Microsoft mystery folder fix might need a fix of its own

Microsoft's recent patch for CVE-2025-21204 inadvertently reintroduced the inetpub folder at c:inetpub as part of its mitigation strategy, raising concerns among system administrators. Security researcher Kevin Beaumont discovered that this folder created a new vulnerability when he used the mklink command with the /j parameter to redirect the folder to a system executable (notepad.exe). This allowed standard users to prevent Windows updates without administrative rights, as the command could be executed on default-configured systems. Beaumont has notified Microsoft of this vulnerability, but the company has not yet responded.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

Windows 11’s crucial new ‘inetpub’ folder is laughably easy to hack

A new folder named "inetpub" appeared on many Windows PCs after an April update, initially thought to be a glitch. Microsoft later stated that this folder was introduced to enhance Windows security by addressing the CVE-2025-21204 vulnerability. However, security researcher Kevin Beaumont revealed that the inetpub folder could allow attackers to bypass critical security updates. Beaumont proposed creating a junction point in the C: directory to prevent the inetpub folder's creation, which would also block the installation of the April update and subsequent security updates, leaving PCs vulnerable. This situation could lead to error messages and failed update rollbacks, with attackers able to exploit these issues without elevated privileges. Beaumont has informed Microsoft about the problem, but a response has not yet been received.

Winsage

April 19, 2025

Microsoft is deprecating a ‘revolutionary’ virtualization-based security feature for older versions of Windows 11

Microsoft has announced the deprecation of Virtualization-based Security (VBS) enclaves, a feature introduced in July 2024, in Windows 11 23H2 and earlier versions, as well as in Windows Server 2022 and its predecessors. Support for VBS enclaves will continue in Windows Server 2025 and future versions. VBS enclaves were designed to create secure memory spaces using Microsoft's Hyper-V hypervisor, enhancing security for specific application components. The decision to phase out VBS enclaves may be influenced by the rapid development cycle of Windows 11. Users are expected to transition to newer releases as support for Windows 11 23H2 ends in November. Enterprise customers relying on VBS enclaves may face disruptions if the feature is completely removed.

Winsage

April 17, 2025

Hackers Exploiting NTLM Spoofing Vulnerability in Wild to Compromise Systems

Cybercriminals are exploiting a vulnerability in Windows systems known as CVE-2025-24054, which involves NTLM hash disclosure through spoofing techniques. This flaw allows attackers to leak NTLM hashes, leading to privilege escalation and lateral movement within networks. It is triggered when a user extracts a ZIP archive containing a malicious .library-ms file, causing Windows Explorer to initiate SMB authentication requests that expose NTLMv2-SSP hashes. Exploitation of this vulnerability began shortly after a security patch was released on March 11, 2025, with campaigns targeting government and private institutions in Poland and Romania. These campaigns utilized spear-phishing emails containing malicious ZIP archives, which, when interacted with, leaked NTLM hashes. The malicious files included various types designed to initiate SMB connections to attacker-controlled servers, allowing for pass-the-hash attacks and privilege escalation. The stolen hashes were sent to servers in several countries, indicating potential links to state-sponsored groups. One campaign involved Dropbox links that exploited the vulnerability upon user interaction. Microsoft has recommended immediate patching, enhancing network defenses, user education, network segmentation, and regular security audits to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Windows Common Log File System 0-Day Vulnerability Exploited in the Wild

A critical zero-day vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver, identified as CVE-2025-29824, is actively exploited, allowing attackers to elevate privileges to SYSTEM level and compromise system integrity. This flaw arises from a use-after-free issue within the CLFS driver, enabling local attackers to execute malicious code. Microsoft is aware of the exploitation and is working on a security update, but no immediate patch is available. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Windows 10, including x64-based and 32-bit systems, and can lead to privilege escalation, data breaches, operational disruption, and malware deployment. Microsoft has classified this vulnerability as "Important" and urges organizations to apply patches promptly once available.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

CISA Warns of Microsoft Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem Vulnerability

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has identified a vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows Win32 kernel subsystem, designated as CVE-2025-24983. This use-after-free vulnerability in the Win32k component could allow an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally. It is categorized under Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) 416. CISA recommends users apply Microsoft’s mitigation instructions, follow Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22-01 for cloud services, and discontinue use of affected products if necessary. The deadline for addressing this vulnerability is April 1, 2025.

Tech Optimizer

March 3, 2025

New malware exploits fake updates to steal data

Recent developments indicate that Mac users are facing an escalating threat from malware designed for macOS systems, particularly with the emergence of a strain called FrigidStealer. This malware spreads through deceptive browser update prompts on compromised websites, leading users to download a malicious DMG file that seeks elevated privileges to steal sensitive information. Cybersecurity firm Proofpoint has traced the operations of FrigidStealer to two threat actors: TA2726, a traffic distribution service provider, and TA2727, which delivers the malware. This campaign also targets Windows and Android devices, indicating a multi-platform strategy. Additionally, the rise of infostealer malware has compromised approximately 330 million credentials in 2024, with around 3.9 billion credentials circulating from infostealer logs. Users are advised to adopt protective measures, including being cautious of fake software updates, enabling two-factor authentication, using password managers, and exercising caution with downloads and links.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft Patch Tuesday February 2025 – 61 Vulnerabilities Fixed, 3 Actively Exploited in the Wild

Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday update addresses 61 vulnerabilities, including 25 critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities. Three of these are zero-days, actively exploited before the update: 1. CVE-2023-24932: Secure Boot security feature bypass requiring physical access or administrative rights. 2. CVE-2025-21391: Windows Storage elevation of privilege vulnerability that could lead to data deletion. 3. CVE-2025-21418: Vulnerability in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock allowing privilege escalation. Critical vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2025-21376: Windows LDAP RCE vulnerability. - CVE-2025-21379: RCE vulnerability in DHCP Client Service. - CVE-2025-21381: RCE vulnerability in Microsoft Excel. The update also addresses additional vulnerabilities related to remote code execution, elevation of privilege, denial of service, security feature bypass, spoofing, and information disclosure across various Microsoft products. Microsoft advises immediate application of the updates to mitigate risks.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft Patch Tuesday February 2025: 61 Vulnerabilities Including 25 RCE’s Fixed

Microsoft released its February 2025 Patch Tuesday security updates, addressing over 61 vulnerabilities across its products. The updates include: - 25 Remote Code Execution vulnerabilities - 14 Elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities - 6 Denial of Service vulnerabilities - 4 Security Feature Bypass vulnerabilities - 2 Spoofing vulnerabilities - 1 Information Disclosure vulnerability Notable critical vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2025-21376: Remote code execution risk via LDAP protocol. - CVE-2025-21379: Flaw in DHCP client service allowing system compromise via crafted network packets. - CVE-2025-21381, CVE-2025-21386, CVE-2025-21387: Multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel enabling code execution through specially crafted files. - CVE-2025-21406, CVE-2025-21407: Vulnerabilities in Windows Telephony Service allowing remote code execution. Two vulnerabilities confirmed as actively exploited: - CVE-2023-24932: Bypass of Secure Boot protections. - CVE-2025-21391: Elevated privileges on affected systems. - CVE-2025-21418: Gain SYSTEM privileges through exploitation. Other notable fixes include vulnerabilities in Visual Studio and Microsoft Office that could lead to remote code execution. Users can apply updates via Windows Update, Microsoft Update Catalog, or WSUS. Microsoft emphasizes the urgency of these updates due to the active exploitation of certain vulnerabilities.

Tech Optimizer

February 8, 2025

New Attack Technique to Bypassing EDR as Low Privileged Standard User

A new cyberattack technique allows attackers to bypass Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems while using low-privileged standard user accounts. This method utilizes masquerading and path obfuscation to disguise malicious payloads as legitimate processes, misleading detection systems and analysts. Process creation events are crucial for identifying threats, with tools like Sysmon logging detailed information about process execution. Attackers can manipulate file paths to evade restrictions on placing payloads in protected directories. They create folders that mimic legitimate antivirus software paths using Unicode characters to resemble spaces. For example, a folder may be named C:Program[U+2000]Files, allowing the attacker to introduce their payload (SuperJuicy.exe) without raising alarms. The execution of the payload results in logs that appear legitimate, complicating detection efforts. This technique poses challenges for EDR systems, including confusion in log analysis, deceptive attribution to legitimate software, and prolonged dwell time for malicious payloads. Defensive strategies include enhanced logging rules to flag Unicode characters, adjusting log viewers to display these characters, and restricting folder creation permissions for standard users.