Out-of-bounds read in Microsoft Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2025-21256

Vulnerability identifier: #VU102639

CSH Severity: Low

CVSS v4: 7 [CVSS:4.0/AV:P/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N]

CVE-ID: CVE-2025-21256

CWE-ID: CWE-125

Exploitation vector: Local access

Exploit availability: No public exploit available

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary condition in Windows Digital Media. An authenticated attacker with physical access can plug in a malicious USB drive, trigger an out-of-bounds read error and gain elevated privileges.

Microsoft Windows
Windows Server

Install updates from vendor's website.

Microsoft Windows - addressed in versions 10 21H2 10.0.19044.5371, 10 22H2 10.0.19045.5371, 10 1507 10.0.10240.20890, 10 1607 10.0.14393.7699, 10 1809 10.0.17763.6775, 11 22H2 10.0.22621.4751, 11 23H2 10.0.22631.4751, 11 24H2 10.0.26100.3107
Windows Server - addressed in versions 2008 R2 6.1.7601.27520, 2008 6.0.6003.23070, 2012 R2 6.3.9600.22371, 2012 6.2.9200.25273, 2016 10.0.14393.7785, 2022 23H2 10.0.25398.1369, 2022 10.0.20348.3091, 2025 10.0.26100.2894

• https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2025-21256

• Multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows Digital Media