May 2025 Patch Tuesday: Critical Exploits and Security Updates
May Patch Tuesday 2025: Critical Exploits, Cloud Fixes, and Enterprise Security Updates
Inside Microsoft’s May Patch Tuesday: Five Exploited Flaws
Microsoft’s latest Patch Tuesday released 78 patches, but five vulnerabilities are critical due to active exploitation. These flaws, rated "Important" but confirmed in the wild, have significant implications for Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server since 2019. System administrators must prioritize the following:
CVE-2025-30397: Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability
- This vulnerability allows remote code execution through crafted network requests. Attackers can exploit the Scripting Engine to execute unauthorized code.
CVE-2025-30400: Desktop Window Manager (DWM) Use-After-Free Elevation
- A use-after-free bug in the DWM allows attackers to escalate privileges, affecting Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server 2025.
CVE-2025-32701: Windows Common Log File System Driver Use-After-Free
- This UAF flaw enables adversaries to escalate privileges to SYSTEM, highlighting ongoing challenges with legacy code.
CVE-2025-32706: Common Log File System Input Validation
- Similar to CVE-2025-32701, this vulnerability permits privilege escalation via improper input validation.
CVE-2025-32709: WinSock Ancillary Function Driver Use-After-Free
- A UAF flaw in the Ancillary Function Driver allows local attackers to gain admin privileges.
These vulnerabilities underscore the importance of prompt patching to prevent exploitation. Microsoft has noted that while these flaws are rated "Important," their active exploitation suggests they should not be underestimated. Organizations delaying action risk exposure to opportunistic attackers.
The Azure Trifecta: Three Critical Cloud Patches
In addition to the Windows vulnerabilities, three critical Azure flaws warrant attention:
- CVE-2025-29813 (CVSS 10/10): An authentication bypass in Azure DevOps. Microsoft has fixed this in production environments.
- CVE-2025-29827 (CVSS 9.9): Elevation of privilege in Azure Automation, allowing unauthorized control over automation resources.
- CVE-2025-29972 (CVSS 9.9): A spoofing attack against Azure Storage Resource Provider, enabling unauthorized access.
Administrators must ensure their on-premises or hybrid environments have received the necessary updates and monitor cloud security advisories closely.
Beyond the Top Five: Full May Patch Summary
The May Patch Tuesday updates include numerous other vulnerabilities. Notable mentions include:
| CVE | Component | Severity | CVSS | Public/Exploited | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2025-26685 | Microsoft Defender for Identity | Important | 6.5 | Yes/No | Spoofing |
| CVE-2025-32702 | Visual Studio | Important | 7.8 | Yes/No | Remote Code Execution |
| CVE-2025-47732 | Microsoft Dataverse | Critical | 8.7 | No/No | Remote Code Execution |
These vulnerabilities require immediate attention from security teams to mitigate risks effectively.
Adobe’s May Patches: Focus on Creative Apps
Adobe's Patch Tuesday emphasizes the need for vigilance in creative software. Key fixes include:
- Photoshop: Three critical flaws enabling arbitrary code execution.
- ColdFusion: Eight vulnerabilities addressed, continuing its reputation for security issues.
Adobe's proactive approach to patching is notable, but the persistent vulnerabilities in legacy applications pose risks for organizations relying on these tools.
Apple’s Extensive Pre-emptive Patch Drop
Apple released updates a day early to address vulnerabilities, including one in CoreAudio exploited in advanced attacks. The volume of fixes was substantial:
- iOS/iPadOS 18.5: 31 fixes.
- macOS Sequoia 15.5: 46 fixes.
This proactive approach reflects Apple's commitment to security, although enterprises need to manage patching across diverse device fleets.
Enterprise Flavors: SAP, Ivanti, and GrackerAI
The Patch Tuesday ecosystem has expanded beyond Microsoft. Notable updates include:
- SAP: Released critical updates for NetWeaver to address significant vulnerabilities.
- Ivanti: Fixed a CVSS 9.8 privilege escalation vulnerability in its ITSM platform.
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