How To Fix CVE-2025-29824: A Critical Use After Free Vulnerability in Windows Common Log File System Driver?

This article addresses a critical security vulnerability, CVE-2025-29824, affecting the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver. This use-after-free vulnerability allows a local attacker to elevate privileges, potentially gaining complete control over a vulnerable Windows system. This poses a significant risk, especially in environments where least privilege principles are not strictly enforced.

This article will guide security professionals, including those in DevSecOps, application security, and vulnerability management, on how to understand, detect, and mitigate this flaw. It will provide a technical overview of the vulnerability, identify affected products, and outline steps to remediate or, if necessary, implement workarounds to minimize the risk of exploitation.

A Short Introduction to Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) Driver

The Common Log File System (CLFS) driver is a Windows component that provides a general-purpose logging service. It allows applications to create and manage high-performance log files, which are used for various purposes, including transaction management, event logging, and data recovery. CLFS provides a robust and efficient mechanism for storing and retrieving log data, playing a crucial role in the stability and reliability of the operating system.

Summary of CVE-2025-29824

CVE-2025-29824 is a use-after-free vulnerability residing within the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver. This flaw permits an authenticated local attacker to escalate their privileges. The vulnerability occurs because the CLFS driver improperly manages memory, leading to a situation where a freed memory location is accessed again. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by triggering a specific sequence of operations that causes the CLFS driver to access the freed memory. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining SYSTEM-level access to the compromised machine.

Impact of CVE-2025-29824

The successful exploitation of CVE-2025-29824 can have severe consequences for affected Windows systems. An attacker with low-level privileges can escalate to SYSTEM privileges, effectively gaining complete control over the machine. This level of access allows the attacker to perform a wide range of malicious activities, including:

Given the potential for complete system compromise, CVE-2025-29824 represents a critical threat that requires immediate attention. The active exploitation of this vulnerability in the wild, coupled with its inclusion in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list, underscores the urgency of applying the available patch.

Products Affected by CVE-2025-29824

This vulnerability affects a wide range of Windows operating systems.

Note: This list may not be exhaustive. It is recommended to check Microsoft's official security advisory for the most up-to-date information.

How to Check Your Product is Vulnerable?

Due to the nature of this vulnerability, directly detecting it on a live system can be challenging without specialized tools. However, you can verify your exposure by:

How to Fix CVE-2025-29824?

The primary remediation strategy for CVE-2025-29824 is to apply the security update released by Microsoft on April 8, 2025.

In addition to patching, consider these preventative measures:

While there are no specific workarounds to completely eliminate the vulnerability without patching, these measures can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.

Found this article interesting? Keep visit thesecmaster.com, and our social media page on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Telegram, Tumblr, Medium, and Instagram and subscribe to receive tips like this. 

You may also like these articles: