CVE-2025-12053: Windows Driver Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2025-12053 Overview

CVE-2025-12053 is a buffer overflow vulnerability affecting drivers in Insyde tool packages. The vulnerability exists because the drivers use the RTL_QUERY_REGISTRY_DIRECT flag to read registry values without proper bounds checking. This allows an untrusted user-mode application to potentially cause a buffer overflow condition, leading to local privilege escalation or system compromise.

Critical Impact

Local attackers with low privileges can exploit this driver vulnerability to achieve high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, potentially gaining elevated privileges or executing arbitrary code in kernel context.

Affected Products

• Insyde Tool Package Drivers (specific versions not disclosed)
• Systems utilizing Insyde UEFI firmware with vulnerable tool packages
• Various OEM systems incorporating Insyde firmware components

Discovery Timeline

• January 14, 2026 - CVE-2025-12053 published to NVD
• January 14, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-12053

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-Bounds Write), a memory corruption flaw that occurs when the vulnerable drivers read registry values using the RTL_QUERY_REGISTRY_DIRECT flag. This Windows kernel API flag instructs the registry query function to write data directly to a provided buffer without performing adequate size validation.

When a malicious user-mode application manipulates the targeted registry value to contain data exceeding the expected buffer size, the driver's subsequent registry read operation results in a buffer overflow. Since this occurs in kernel context, successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges, effectively compromising the entire system.

The local attack vector requires an attacker to have local access to the system with low-level privileges. However, no user interaction is required for exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly concerning in multi-user environments or systems where attackers have gained initial low-privilege access.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper use of the RTL_QUERY_REGISTRY_DIRECT flag when querying Windows registry values from kernel-mode drivers. This flag bypasses the normal registry query callback mechanism and writes registry data directly into a caller-supplied buffer. When the driver allocates a fixed-size buffer but does not validate that the registry value fits within the allocated space, an attacker can store oversized data in the registry key, triggering an out-of-bounds write when the driver reads the value.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access to the target system. An attacker with low-level user privileges can exploit this vulnerability through the following general attack flow:

1. Identify the specific registry key that the vulnerable driver reads using RTL_QUERY_REGISTRY_DIRECT
2. Modify the registry value to contain data larger than the expected buffer size
3. Trigger the driver to read the malicious registry value
4. The resulting buffer overflow corrupts adjacent kernel memory
5. Carefully crafted overflow data can achieve arbitrary code execution in kernel context

For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the Insyde Security Advisory SA-2025010.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-12053

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected modifications to registry keys associated with Insyde tool package drivers
• System instability or blue screen of death (BSOD) events with memory corruption error codes
• Anomalous kernel-mode activity following user-mode registry operations
• Presence of suspicious user-mode applications attempting to modify firmware-related registry values

Detection Strategies

• Monitor registry write operations to keys associated with Insyde firmware and tool packages for unusual data sizes
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting kernel memory corruption attempts
• Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing on critical systems
• Enable Windows Event logging for registry modifications and analyze for anomalous patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Configure SentinelOne agents to monitor for kernel-mode exploitation techniques and memory corruption indicators
• Establish baseline registry configurations and alert on deviations in firmware-related registry paths
• Monitor driver loading events for Insyde tool package components
• Implement behavioral detection rules for privilege escalation attempts originating from user-mode applications

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-12053

Immediate Actions Required

• Review the Insyde Security Advisory SA-2025010 for specific patching guidance
• Identify all systems running Insyde tool package drivers in your environment
• Restrict registry modification permissions to minimize the attack surface
• Apply the principle of least privilege to limit user-mode application capabilities
• Consider disabling or removing non-essential Insyde tool package drivers until patching is complete

Patch Information

Insyde has released a security advisory addressing this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the Insyde Security Advisory SA-2025010 for detailed patch information and updated driver versions. Contact your OEM vendor for firmware updates that incorporate the patched drivers, as Insyde firmware is typically distributed through system manufacturers.

Workarounds

• Restrict write access to registry keys used by Insyde tool package drivers through Windows security policies
• Implement application control solutions to prevent unauthorized applications from executing
• Deploy network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a system is compromised
• Use SentinelOne's kernel-level protection capabilities to detect and block exploitation attempts
• Monitor affected systems with enhanced logging until patches can be applied

# Example: Restrict registry key permissions (PowerShell)
# Identify the specific registry paths from Insyde advisory before applying
# This is a general approach - consult vendor documentation for exact keys
$acl = Get-Acl "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Insyde"
$acl.SetAccessRuleProtection($true, $false)
$adminRule = New-Object System.Security.AccessControl.RegistryAccessRule("BUILTIN\Administrators","FullControl","Allow")
$acl.SetAccessRule($adminRule)
Set-Acl "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Insyde" $acl