CVE-2025-3052: Microsoft UEFI Firmware RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-3052 Overview

An arbitrary write vulnerability in Microsoft signed UEFI firmware allows for code execution of untrusted software. This allows an attacker to control its value, leading to arbitrary memory writes, including modification of critical firmware settings stored in NVRAM. Exploiting this vulnerability could enable security bypasses, persistence mechanisms, or full system compromise.

Critical Impact

Exploiting this flaw could lead to complete system compromise by allowing attackers to write untrusted code to the firmware.

Affected Products

• Microsoft UEFI Firmware (Specific models not enumerated)

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-06-10 - CVE CVE-2025-3052 published to NVD
• 2025-06-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-3052

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as an arbitrary write vulnerability that could allow attackers to write data to controlled memory locations. This is due to inadequate checks during firmware operations, potentially allowing modification of critical firmware settings and leading to persistent firmware-level threats.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient validation of parameters within the firmware, which allows overrides and arbitrary writes to non-volatile memory settings.

Attack Vector

This vulnerability requires local access and high privileges due to its nature within the UEFI firmware. However, once locally exploited, it could lead to broad impacts due to its ability to rewrite firmware settings.

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <string.h>

void exploit() {
    char buffer[64];
    strcpy(buffer, "Exploit code here");
    // Further code to leverage control over the writes
}

int main() {
    exploit();
    return 0;
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-3052

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected changes in UEFI settings
• Presence of unauthorized UEFI drivers
• Anomalies in boot sequences

Detection Strategies

Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor UEFI firmware changes and employ integrity checking mechanisms. SentinelOne’s Singularity platform can detect unusual write operations and potential firmware-level manipulations.

Monitoring Recommendations

Deploy monitoring tools that focus on boot sequence logging and firmware integrity, ensuring any unauthorized firmware changes are immediately flagged and investigated.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-3052

Immediate Actions Required

• Immediately audit and review all UEFI settings
• Install protective firmware from trusted sources
• Enable secure boot to prevent unauthorized code execution

Patch Information

Monitor Microsoft’s official advisories for any newly released patches or updates addressing this vulnerability. Apply these updates through trusted channels to ensure integrity.

Workarounds

Implement a secure boot policy and configure systems to disallow unsigned firmware updates. Regularly verify the firmware’s integrity against a known-good state to detect tampering.

# Configuration example to enable secure boot
sudo mokutil --enable-validation
sudo mokutil --import /path/to/UEFI/certificate.crt