CVE-2025-29968 Overview
Improper input validation in Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) allows an authorized attacker to deny service over a network.
Critical Impact
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to perform a denial of service attack, potentially causing significant disruptions in network communication and certificate services.
Affected Products
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008
- Microsoft Windows Server 2012
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-05-13 - CVE-2025-29968 published to NVD
- 2025-05-19 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-29968
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability arises from improper input validation within Active Directory Certificate Services. It allows an attacker with authorized access to submit specially crafted requests that can overwhelm the system resources, leading to a denial of service condition.
Root Cause
The core issue stems from insufficient input validation in the request handling process of Active Directory Certificate Services, allowing for excessive resource consumption.
Attack Vector
Network-based attacks can target this vulnerability by sending malformed requests to the affected services.
# Hypothetical exploitation command
send-malformed-request -t AD-CS -p 8080 --payload large_input_string
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-29968
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual spikes in CPU or memory utilization on affected servers
- Log entries showing repeated large inputs to certificate services
- Service crashes or unexpected restarts
Detection Strategies
Utilize IDS/IPS systems to detect anomalous traffic patterns targeting AD CS, specifically monitoring for unusually large request payloads.
Monitoring Recommendations
Implement continuous monitoring of system resource usage metrics and configure alerts for thresholds exceeding normal operating parameters.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-29968
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply security updates provided by Microsoft
- Limit network exposure for affected services, allowing only trusted hosts
- Monitor and restrict input size for certificate requests
Patch Information
Refer to the official Microsoft Advisory for updates and patch details.
Workarounds
Configure firewall and network rules to restrict access and mitigate risk from unauthorized requests.
# Example of network rule
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -s trusted_ip_range -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
