CVE-2025-32709: 
vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2025-32709 is a Use-after-free vulnerability in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock (afd.sys) that was discovered and disclosed on May 13, 2025. The vulnerability affects various Microsoft Windows systems including Windows Server 2012, Windows 10, and their associated versions. This security flaw has been confirmed as actively exploited in the wild and has been added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog (CISA Alert, NVD).

The vulnerability is classified as a Use-after-free (CWE-416) vulnerability in the Windows Ancillary Function Driver that interfaces with the Windows Sockets API (WinSock). It has received a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (High), with the following vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This indicates that the vulnerability requires local access, low attack complexity, low privileges, and no user interaction to exploit (NVD).

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally to SYSTEM level. The high severity rating indicates that successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of system confidentiality, integrity, and availability (Dark Reading).

CISA has issued a directive requiring Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies to remediate this vulnerability by June 3, 2025. Organizations are strongly urged to prioritize timely remediation of this vulnerability as part of their vulnerability management practice. Microsoft has released patches to address this vulnerability, and immediate application of these updates is recommended (CISA Alert).

Security researchers have expressed particular concern about this vulnerability, noting that repeated exploitation of the same component (afd.sys) raises questions about patch effectiveness. The vulnerability's addition to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog has emphasized its significance as a critical security risk (Dark Reading).