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Vulnerability DatabaseCVE-2025-21308
CVE-2025-21308:
vulnerability analysis and mitigation
Overview
Windows Themes Spoofing Vulnerability (CVE-2025-21308) is a security flaw discovered in January 2025 affecting various versions of Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.5 and is rated as Important. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit specially crafted Themes files in Windows Explorer, potentially leading to credential leakage (CrowdStrike Blog).
Technical details
The vulnerability occurs when Themes files specify network paths for BrandImage and Wallpaper options, which can trigger automatic authentication to remote hosts. The flaw has been assigned a CVSS score of 6.5, indicating moderate severity. It has been categorized under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor) (Hacker News, CrowdStrike Blog).
Impact
If successfully exploited, the vulnerability could lead to the improper disclosure of NTLM hashes, potentially exposing users' credentials. This vulnerability was notably identified as a bypass for the previously patched CVE-2024-38030 (Hacker News).
Mitigation and workarounds
Microsoft has provided mitigation details which include disabling NTLM and/or restricting outgoing NTLM traffic to remote servers. Organizations are advised to apply the January 2025 security updates to address this vulnerability (CrowdStrike Blog).
Additional resources
Source: This report was generated using AI
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