January 2025 Security Updates: Critical Fixes for Microsoft Vulnerabilities

January 21, 2025

The January 2025 security update review by the Zero Day Initiative provides an extensive analysis of the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) identified and addressed in the latest security updates. This review is crucial as it covers a wide range of vulnerabilities discovered in various Microsoft products and services, which could threaten system integrity and user data.

Elevation of Privilege (EoP) Vulnerabilities

Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel

Several vulnerabilities have been identified in the Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel, including CVE-2025-21333, CVE-2025-21334, and CVE-2025-21335. These vulnerabilities focus on potential elevation of privilege issues, particularly concerning the kernel’s integration with the Hyper-V component. Addressing these vulnerabilities is critical to prevent unauthorized access and ensure system security.

The identified vulnerabilities could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and access to sensitive data. The updates aim to strengthen the kernel’s security and prevent exploitation. The severity of these issues, rated highly by the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), underscores the need for swift and comprehensive action to safeguard systems relying on Hyper-V for virtualization. Administrators are strongly advised to apply the patches immediately to mitigate any risk of exploitation.

Windows App Package Installer and Microsoft AutoUpdate

The Windows App Package Installer has been identified with potential elevation of privilege vulnerabilities, specifically CVE-2025-21275. If exploited, these vulnerabilities could enable unauthorized elevation, posing significant security risks. In scenarios where an attacker gains access, they could perform actions typically restricted to higher-privilege accounts, undermining security measures and potentially causing extensive damage.

Similarly, Microsoft AutoUpdate has been highlighted for potential elevation issues with CVE-2025-21360. Ensuring robust update mechanisms is essential to prevent unauthorized access and maintain system integrity. These vulnerabilities reflect the ongoing challenge of securing automatic update processes, which, while necessary for patch delivery, present potential attack vectors. The updates provided focus on reinforcing permissions, reducing the potential for unauthorized privilege escalation, and enhancing overall security hardening protocols.

Windows COM for Windows and Other Components

Security updates have also targeted privilege escalation vulnerabilities in Windows COM for Windows, such as CVE-2025-21281. These updates are crucial to mitigate risks and enhance overall system security. Addressing these vulnerabilities is particularly important because they could allow an attacker to perform unauthorized actions with elevated privileges, disrupting normal operations and potentially leading to broader system compromises.

Other components, including Windows NTLM V1, Windows Graphics Component, Digital Media, and Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), have also been addressed to prevent potential escalation of privileges and strengthen security measures. The comprehensive patching initiative reflects a multi-faceted approach to securing various components, each contributing to the system’s overall security posture. These updates aim to close gaps that could be exploited for privilege escalation, reinforcing the integrity and availability of critical services across different Microsoft environments.

Remote Code Execution (RCE) Vulnerabilities

Microsoft Access

Remote code execution vulnerabilities in Microsoft Access, such as CVE-2025-21186, CVE-2025-21366, and CVE-2025-21395, have been identified and addressed. These vulnerabilities could allow unauthorized code execution, posing significant security risks. An attacker exploiting these vulnerabilities might be able to execute arbitrary code with the same rights as the logged-in user, potentially leading to data breaches or the installation of malicious software.

The updates aim to prevent the execution of unauthorized code, ensuring the security and integrity of Microsoft Access. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial to protect user data and prevent potential exploitation. The severity ratings of these vulnerabilities highlight the critical nature of the threat, underscoring the importance of timely updates to preclude any misuse in practical scenarios.

Windows Telephony Service

Numerous vulnerabilities in the Windows Telephony Service, including CVE-2025-21224, CVE-2025-21233, and several others, have been documented with high severity CVSS scores. These vulnerabilities reflect the potential for remote command execution and heightened exploitation risks. If exploited, attackers could potentially execute commands remotely, leading to disruptions or unauthorized access to sensitive information.

The updates focus on mitigating these risks and ensuring the security of the Windows Telephony Service. Preventing remote code execution is essential to maintain system integrity and protect user data. Given the prevalence of remote interactions in modern setups, securing the telephony service against such vulnerabilities becomes paramount. The comprehensive set of patches aims to fortify the service against potential avenues of attack, ensuring continued reliability and security.

Visual Studio, .NET, and Microsoft Office

Various RCE vulnerabilities have been identified in Visual Studio, .NET, and Microsoft Office, including CVE-2025-21171, CVE-2025-21176, CVE-2025-21364, and CVE-2025-21345. These vulnerabilities underscore the need for stringent application security to avert remote code exploits. Attackers leveraging these vulnerabilities could execute malicious code, compromising the applications and potentially spreading threats across networks or compromising sensitive data.

The updates aim to enhance the security of these widely used applications, preventing unauthorized code execution and protecting user data. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial to maintain the integrity and security of these applications. The critical nature of these updates reflects the ongoing battle against sophisticated threats targeting ubiquitous software tools, emphasizing proactive measures to uphold security standards across all usage contexts.

Information Disclosure (Info) Vulnerabilities

Azure Marketplace SaaS Resources

CVE-2025-21380 designates a critical issue in Azure Marketplace SaaS Resources, where sensitive information might be inadvertently disclosed. Addressing this vulnerability is essential to ensure data confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access. The disclosure of sensitive data can lead to severe repercussions, including breaches of privacy, financial losses, and erosion of user trust.

The updates focus on enhancing the security of Azure Marketplace SaaS Resources, preventing information disclosure and protecting sensitive data. Ensuring data confidentiality is crucial to maintain user trust and system integrity. By fortifying these resources, organizations can prevent unauthorized access and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information, thereby ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and best practices.

Windows BitLocker and COM Server

Several CVEs, including CVE-2025-21210 and CVE-2025-21272, pertain to vulnerabilities in Windows BitLocker and COM Server, where improper handling could reveal sensitive information. These updates emphasize the importance of confidentiality and data security enhancements. Unauthorized access to sensitive information within these components could lead to data breaches, compromising the security and privacy of both users and organizations.

The updates aim to secure these components, preventing information disclosure and protecting sensitive data. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of user data. By enhancing the security measures around BitLocker and COM Server, users can prevent potential information leaks and ensure that their data remains protected against unauthorized access.

Windows Kernel Memory

A number of CVEs, such as CVE-2025-21316 through CVE-2025-21323, have been noted for potential information disclosures through kernel memory. Protective measures are necessary to secure system memory and prevent unintended leaks. These vulnerabilities could allow attackers to access sensitive information stored within kernel memory, leading to data breaches and potential exploitation.

The updates focus on enhancing the security of Windows Kernel Memory, preventing information disclosure and protecting sensitive data. Ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of system memory is essential to maintain overall system security. The comprehensive updates aim to close any potential gaps, thereby preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information and maintaining the integrity and security of the system.

Spoofing (Spoofing) Vulnerabilities

Windows Themes and SmartScreen

Active Directory and Microsoft SharePoint

Denial of Service (DoS) Vulnerabilities

IP Helper, Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ), and Kerberos

Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway) and Other Network Services

Security Feature Bypass (SFB) Vulnerabilities

Cert CC Howyar Taiwan Secure Boot Bypass and MapUrlToZone

Windows Kerberos

Overarching Trends and Consensus Viewpoints

Summary of Main Findings

The January 2025 security update review by the Zero Day Initiative offers a thorough analysis of the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) that were identified and addressed in the latest security updates. This review is particularly significant as it encompasses a broad spectrum of vulnerabilities found in a variety of Microsoft products and services. These vulnerabilities, if left unaddressed, could compromise system integrity and put user data at risk.

The review delves into the specifics of each vulnerability, detailing the nature and scope of the potential threats. Microsoft’s prompt and efficient response to these vulnerabilities is highlighted, showcasing their commitment to safeguarding their users. In addition to the technical details, the analysis provides insights into the methods used by attackers to exploit these vulnerabilities.

By addressing these vulnerabilities, Microsoft aims to fortify the security of their products, ensuring a safer user experience. The Zero Day Initiative’s review not only underscores the importance of timely security updates but also illustrates the ongoing efforts required to maintain robust cybersecurity defenses.

Such reviews are essential for IT professionals, security researchers, and end users alike, as they provide valuable information on how to protect systems and safeguard data against emerging threats. The comprehensive nature of the report helps organizations to understand the potential risks and take appropriate measures to enhance their security posture.

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