CVE-2025-50161: 
vulnerability analysis and mitigation

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability was discovered in Windows Win32K - GRFX component, identified as CVE-2025-50161. The vulnerability was disclosed on August 12, 2025, affecting multiple versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems including Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025, and various versions of Windows 10 and 11 (NVD).

The vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow (CWE-122) in the Windows Win32K Graphics component. Microsoft has assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.3 (High), with the following vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This scoring indicates that the vulnerability requires local access, low attack complexity, low privileges, and user interaction (NVD).

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally on the affected system. The high confidentiality, integrity, and availability ratings in the CVSS score indicate that successful exploitation could result in significant system compromise (NVD).

Microsoft has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Users are advised to apply the latest security patches for their affected Windows systems. The updates are available through the Microsoft Security Update Guide (Microsoft Advisory).