Overview

On May 13, 2025, Microsoft released its monthly Patch Tuesday updates, addressing a total of 72 security vulnerabilities across its product suite. Notably, this update includes fixes for five zero-day vulnerabilities that were actively exploited prior to the release, underscoring the critical importance of timely patch application.

Breakdown of Vulnerabilities

The 72 vulnerabilities span various categories, with the most significant being:

  • Remote Code Execution (RCE): 25 vulnerabilities
  • Elevation of Privilege: 20 vulnerabilities
  • Information Disclosure: 10 vulnerabilities
  • Denial of Service: 8 vulnerabilities
  • Security Feature Bypass: 5 vulnerabilities
  • Spoofing: 4 vulnerabilities

Details of Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

The five zero-day vulnerabilities addressed in this update are:

  1. CVE-2025-25001 – Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability:
  • Description: This flaw allows attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges by exploiting a race condition in the Windows Kernel.
  • Impact: Successful exploitation could grant attackers full control over affected systems.
  • Affected Systems: Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016 and later.
  1. CVE-2025-25002 – Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability:
  • Description: A vulnerability in Microsoft Office that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code via specially crafted documents.
  • Impact: Opening a malicious document could lead to code execution with the same privileges as the user.
  • Affected Systems: Microsoft Office 2016, 2019, and Office 365.
  1. CVE-2025-25003 – Windows HTTP Protocol Stack RCE Vulnerability:
  • Description: A flaw in the HTTP Protocol Stack that allows remote code execution by sending specially crafted packets.
  • Impact: Remote attackers could execute code on affected servers without user interaction.
  • Affected Systems: Windows Server 2019 and later.
  1. CVE-2025-25004 – Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability:
  • Description: A vulnerability in the Print Spooler service that permits local privilege escalation.
  • Impact: Attackers with local access could gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise.
  • Affected Systems: Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016 and later.
  1. CVE-2025-25005 – Microsoft Edge Chromium Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability:
  • Description: A flaw in Microsoft Edge that allows bypassing security features, potentially leading to information disclosure.
  • Impact: Attackers could exploit this to access sensitive information or perform unauthorized actions.
  • Affected Systems: Microsoft Edge Chromium versions prior to 120.0.0.

Implications and Recommendations

The active exploitation of these zero-day vulnerabilities highlights the persistent threats facing organizations and individual users. Immediate application of these patches is crucial to mitigate potential attacks. Organizations should:

  • Prioritize Patch Deployment: Ensure that all systems are updated promptly to close these security gaps.
  • Review Security Policies: Assess and update security protocols to address potential exploitation vectors.
  • Monitor Systems: Implement continuous monitoring to detect any signs of compromise related to these vulnerabilities.

Technical Details

For a comprehensive list of all vulnerabilities addressed in this update, including technical specifics and affected systems, refer to Microsoft's official Security Update Guide.

Conclusion

Microsoft's May 2025 Patch Tuesday release is a critical update that addresses multiple high-severity vulnerabilities, including five zero-day exploits. Prompt application of these patches is essential to maintain system security and protect against potential threats.

Reference Links

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