CVE-2025-53766
vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Overview

A Critical remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2025-53766) affects Windows GDI+ (Graphics Device Interface Plus). The vulnerability was discovered and disclosed in August 2025, impacting various versions of Microsoft Windows including Windows Server 2008 through 2025, and Windows 10 through Windows 11. This heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability allows unauthorized attackers to execute code over a network without requiring user interaction (NVD CVE, CrowdStrike Blog).

Technical details

The vulnerability has been assigned a Critical CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its severe nature. The heap-based buffer overflow can be triggered through document processing on web services without victim involvement. While the Preview Pane is not an attack vector, exploitation is possible through specially crafted metafiles in documents. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting the heap-based buffer overflow in Windows GDI+ over a network connection without user interaction (CrowdStrike Blog, Krebs Security).

Impact

When successfully exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to achieve remote code execution or information disclosure on web services parsing documents, with high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. The attack can be particularly dangerous as it can be executed through web services by uploading documents with malicious metafiles without any user interaction or privileges required (CrowdStrike Blog).

Mitigation and workarounds

Microsoft has released an official fix for this vulnerability as part of its August 2025 Patch Tuesday updates. Organizations are advised to apply the security updates immediately to protect against potential exploitation (CrowdStrike Blog, Krebs Security).

Additional resources


SourceThis report was generated using AI

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