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CVE Vulnerability Database
Vulnerability Database/CVE-2025-21193

CVE-2025-21193: Windows Server 2016 AD FS Auth Bypass

CVE-2025-21193 is an authentication bypass vulnerability in Active Directory Federation Server on Windows Server 2016 that enables spoofing attacks. This article covers technical details, security impact, and mitigation.

Updated:

CVE-2025-21193 Overview

Active Directory Federation Server Spoofing Vulnerability presents a medium severity risk with a CVSS score of 6.5. This vulnerability affects various Microsoft Windows Server versions, allowing potential spoofing attacks via network vectors.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to impersonate a legitimate user, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Affected Products

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2016
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2019
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2022

Discovery Timeline

  • 2025-01-14 - CVE-2025-21193 published to NVD
  • 2025-01-27 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-21193

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability exists due to an inadequate validation mechanism in Active Directory Federation Server, leading to potential spoofing attacks. This flaw could allow attackers to forge authentication requests and impersonate legitimate users without credentials.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-21193 is improper input validation within the authentication processing phase of the Active Directory Federation Server.

Attack Vector

Network-based attack vector, leveraging improper validation to perform spoofing attacks on affected systems.

bash
# Exploit simulation (sanitized)
curl -X POST "https://vulnerable-server.example.com/adfs/ls/" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded" \
  --data "username=attacker&password=fakepassword&auth_type=spoof"

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-21193

Indicators of Compromise

  • Unusual authentication requests originating from external IP addresses
  • Anomalous session activities for legitimate user accounts

Detection Strategies

Employ monitoring of authentication logs to identify unusual patterns. Integrate anomaly detection algorithms to flag suspicious behaviors.

Monitoring Recommendations

Regularly review Active Directory logs and network traffic for anomalies, leveraging SIEM solutions to automate the detection and alerting process.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-21193

Immediate Actions Required

  • Apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft.
  • Monitor user activity for abnormal behaviors.
  • Strengthen multi-factor authentication requirements.

Patch Information

Microsoft has released a security patch to address this vulnerability. Update affected systems via Windows Update or refer to the Microsoft advisory for detailed information.

Workarounds

Implement network-level segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to trusted domains.

bash
# Network configuration example
iptables -A INPUT -s trusted-network/24 -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -s 0.0.0.0/0 -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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