CVE-2025-30400: Windows 10 1809 Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2025-30400 Overview

Use after free in Windows DWM allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Critical Impact
This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code leading to privilege escalation on affected Windows systems.

Affected Products

Microsoft Windows 10 1809
Microsoft Windows 10 21H2
Microsoft Windows 11 22H2

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to Microsoft
Not Available - CVE CVE-2025-30400 assigned
Not Available - Microsoft releases security patch
2025-05-13 - CVE CVE-2025-30400 published to NVD
2025-10-27 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-30400

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2025-30400 exploits a Use-After-Free condition in the Windows Desktop Window Manager (DWM). This vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate freed memory potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, enabling privilege escalation.

Root Cause

The root cause is the improper handling of deallocated memory within the DWM process, allowing access and modification after being freed.

Attack Vector

Attackers must have local access to the system, exploiting the vulnerability through crafted input that triggers the use-after-free condition.

cpp

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
destructor(DwmObject *obj) {
  delete obj;
  // Unintended operations on freed memory
  obj->someFunction();
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30400

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual DWM process crashes
Unauthorized privilege escalations
Unexpected memory allocation patterns

Detection Strategies

Employ behavior-based monitoring to identify anomalies in DWM process activity. Use endpoint detection systems to flag unusual memory access patterns indicative of use-after-free attempts.

Monitoring Recommendations

Closely monitor logs for signs of exploitation and use automated systems to detect memory manipulation attempts.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30400

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the latest security patches from Microsoft.
Restrict local access to systems wherever possible.
Enable monitoring for abnormal process behavior.

Patch Information

Microsoft has released patches addressing the vulnerability. Visit the Microsoft Security Response Center for details.

Workarounds

Limit the permissions of users with physical access to the systems. Consider deploying application restriction policies to minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities.

bash

# Configuration example
net localgroup administrators username /delete