Welcome to our monthly roundup of the most critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Each month, we dive into the latest threats impacting systems worldwide, providing insights to help organizations and individuals stay ahead of potential risks. In this February 2025 edition, we spotlight seven significant vulnerabilities that emerged or were addressed during the month. These issues span a range of platforms, from network firewalls and operating systems to enterprise software and databases. With active exploitation reported for several of these flaws, understanding their scope and applying timely mitigations is more crucial than ever.
This month’s vulnerabilities include authentication bypasses, remote code execution risks, and privilege escalation flaws, affecting widely used technologies like Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS, Microsoft Windows, Apple devices, PostgreSQL, and SharePoint Server. Whether you manage enterprise infrastructure or personal devices, this roundup offers actionable details to bolster your defenses. Let’s explore each vulnerability, its impact, and the steps you can take to protect your systems.
What We'll Cover
CVE-2025-0108: PAN-OS Authentication Bypass
CVE-2025-0108 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks’ PAN-OS software, earning a CVSS score of 9.1. This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers with network access to sidestep authentication mechanisms and invoke specific PHP scripts on the management web interface. The result? Potential compromise of system integrity and confidentiality, making it a prime target for exploitation. Reports confirm this vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, underscoring its urgency.
Affected Systems
This vulnerability impacts various versions of PAN-OS running on Palo Alto Networks firewalls. Organizations relying on these devices for network security are particularly at risk, especially if the management interface is exposed to untrusted networks.
Mitigation Strategies
To address CVE-2025-0108, apply the patches released by Palo Alto Networks as soon as possible. These updates strengthen authentication controls and close the bypass loophole. Additionally, restrict access to the management web interface by limiting it to trusted IP addresses or isolating it behind a VPN. Regularly review logs for signs of unauthorized access attempts to catch potential exploitation early.
CVE-2025-21376: Windows LDAP Remote Code Execution
CVE-2025-21376 is a severe remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft’s Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) implementation, with a CVSS score of 8.1. Dubbed “wormable,” this flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely without user interaction, enabling rapid propagation across networks. Microsoft disclosed and patched this issue in its February 2025 Patch Tuesday release, highlighting its potential for widespread impact.
Affected Systems
Windows Server 2019 and Windows 10 are among the primary systems affected. Environments using LDAP for directory services, common in enterprise settings, face heightened risk if unpatched.
Mitigation Strategies
Deploy the security updates from Microsoft’s February 2025 Patch Tuesday immediately. These patches eliminate the vulnerability’s exploitability. In the interim, segment network traffic to limit LDAP exposure and monitor for unusual activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given its wormable nature, prioritizing this update is essential to prevent cascading compromises.
CVE-2025-24200: Apple Zero-Day Vulnerability
CVE-2025-24200 marks Apple’s first zero-day vulnerability of 2025, targeting the Core Media Framework. This flaw enables arbitrary code execution and has been exploited in sophisticated, targeted attacks. While a specific CVSS score isn’t detailed, its active exploitation against high-value targets signals a critical threat to Apple ecosystems.
Affected Systems
Devices running iOS and macOS, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, are vulnerable. Users in sensitive sectors or those targeted by advanced threat actors are especially at risk.
Mitigation Strategies
Apple has released patches to address this zero-day. Update your devices to the latest iOS or macOS version to eliminate the risk. Enable automatic updates to ensure timely protection against future threats. For added security, avoid opening suspicious links or attachments, as exploitation often relies on social engineering to initiate.
CVE-2025-1094: PostgreSQL SQL Injection
CVE-2025-1094 is a SQL injection vulnerability in PostgreSQL’s psql tool, carrying a CVSS score of 8.1. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute unauthorized SQL commands, threatening database integrity. Its real-world impact was evident in the BeyondTrust breach, making it a notable concern for database administrators.
Affected Systems
PostgreSQL databases using affected versions of the psql tool are at risk. Organizations relying on PostgreSQL for data management should take note.
Mitigation Strategies
Update to the latest patched version of PostgreSQL to close this vulnerability. Validate and sanitize all SQL inputs to prevent injection attempts. Conduct regular audits of database activity logs to detect and respond to unauthorized commands swiftly.
CVE-2025-21418: Windows Ancillary Function Driver Elevation of Privilege
CVE-2025-21418 targets the Windows Ancillary Function Driver (AFD.sys) for WinSock, allowing authenticated attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level. This elevation of privilege flaw, actively exploited in the wild, can lead to full system compromise. Microsoft addressed it in the February 2025 Patch Tuesday updates.
Affected Systems
Windows systems running vulnerable versions of the driver are impacted. Any environment where attackers can authenticate poses a risk.
Mitigation Strategies
Install the February 2025 security updates from Microsoft to patch this vulnerability. Limit user privileges to reduce the attack surface, ensuring only trusted accounts have elevated access. Monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts to catch exploitation in progress.
CVE-2025-21400: Microsoft SharePoint Server Remote Code Execution
CVE-2025-21400 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint Server. Authenticated attackers with valid credentials can exploit it to run arbitrary code, though user interaction is required. Microsoft tackled this issue in its February 2025 Patch Tuesday release.
Affected Systems
SharePoint Server deployments are vulnerable, particularly those accessible to authenticated users who might be compromised or malicious.
Mitigation Strategies
Apply the February 2025 Patch Tuesday updates to secure SharePoint Server instances. Enforce strong authentication policies, such as multi-factor authentication, to limit credential misuse. Educate users about phishing risks to minimize the chance of interaction-based exploitation.
CVE-2025-21420: Windows Disk Cleanup Tool Elevation of Privilege
CVE-2025-21420 affects the Windows Disk Cleanup Tool (cleanmgr.exe), enabling attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges by exploiting improper symbolic link handling. A published proof-of-concept exploit amplifies the urgency. Microsoft patched this in February 2025 Patch Tuesday.
Affected Systems
Windows systems running unpatched versions of the Disk Cleanup Tool are at risk, especially in environments where attackers can execute local code.
Mitigation Strategies
Deploy the February 2025 security updates to fix this flaw. Restrict access to the Disk Cleanup Tool to trusted users and monitor for unusual tool execution. Regularly review system permissions to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.
February 2025 brought a diverse set of cybersecurity challenges, from network-level threats to database and application vulnerabilities. By applying the recommended patches and adopting proactive security measures, you can safeguard your systems against these risks. For expert assistance in navigating these threats or strengthening your defenses, explore our cybersecurity services tailored to meet your needs.
Stay tuned for next month’s roundup as we continue tracking the evolving threat landscape. For more details on these vulnerabilities, visit the official advisories from Palo Alto Networks, Microsoft, Apple, and PostgreSQL. Your security is our priority, and we’re here to help you navigate these challenges every step of the way.
