CVE-2025-48816
📋 TL;DR
An integer overflow vulnerability in the HID class driver allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on affected Windows systems. This vulnerability requires local access and affects systems where the attacker already has some level of user permissions. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Microsoft Windows
📦 What is this software?
Windows 10 1507 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1507 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1607 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1607 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1809 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1809 by Microsoft
Windows 10 21h2 by Microsoft
Windows 10 22h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 22h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 23h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 24h2 by Microsoft
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system takeover with SYSTEM/root privileges, enabling installation of persistent malware, credential theft, and lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation from standard user to administrator/SYSTEM level, allowing installation of additional malware, disabling security controls, or accessing sensitive data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to proper privilege separation, application control policies, and endpoint protection blocking the exploit attempt.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local authenticated access. Exploitation involves triggering integer overflow in HID driver memory operations.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Will be specified in Microsoft's monthly security update (Patch Tuesday)
Vendor Advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-48816
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Apply the latest Windows security updates from Microsoft
2. Use Windows Update or WSUS to deploy patches
3. Restart affected systems after patch installation
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict HID device access
windowsLimit which users can connect HID devices via Group Policy
gpedit.msc -> Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Device Installation -> Device Installation Restrictions
Enable Windows Defender Application Control
windowsRestrict execution of unauthorized code to prevent privilege escalation
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege principles - ensure users operate with minimal necessary permissions
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if system has applied the specific KB patch mentioned in Microsoft's security advisory for CVE-2025-48816Check Version:
wmic os get caption, version, buildnumber, csdversionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the security update is installed via 'Settings > Windows Update > Update history' or 'wmic qfe list' command📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Event ID 4688 with suspicious parent processes
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in security logs
- HID driver crash events in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections following local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND (NewProcessName LIKE '%cmd.exe%' OR NewProcessName LIKE '%powershell.exe%') AND SubjectUserName!=SYSTEM AND TokenElevationType=%%1938