Listen to this Post
How the CVE Works
CVE-2025-21180 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the Windows exFAT file system driver. When parsing specially crafted exFAT files, improper bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This can lead to arbitrary code execution in kernel mode, granting full system control. The exploit requires local access, such as mounting a malicious USB drive or opening a rogue file. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of directory entry sizes, allowing oversized entries to trigger memory corruption.
DailyCVE Form
Platform: Windows
Version: exFAT driver
Vulnerability: Heap overflow
Severity: Critical
Date: 07/03/2025
Prediction: Patch by 08/2025
What Undercode Say
Check exFAT driver version wmic path win32_systemdriver where "name like '%exfat%'" get name, version Debugging with WinDbg !analyze -v !pool <corrupted_address>
How Exploit
- Craft malicious exFAT file with oversized directory entries.
- Trigger parsing via USB insertion or file copy.
3. Overwrite kernel heap structures to escalate privileges.
Protection from this CVE
- Apply Microsoft patch when released.
- Disable exFAT via Group Policy.
- Restrict USB device usage.
Impact
- Local privilege escalation.
- Kernel-mode code execution.
- Full system compromise.
Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
