CVE-2025-24987: Critical Security Flaw in Windows USB Video Driver

Microsoft has issued a critical security alert regarding CVE-2025-24987, a newly discovered vulnerability in the Windows USB Video Class (UVC) driver that could allow attackers to execute privilege escalation attacks. This flaw affects all supported versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server editions.

Understanding the Vulnerability

The vulnerability exists in the usbvideo.sys driver, which handles communication between USB video devices (like webcams) and the Windows operating system. Researchers discovered that improper memory handling in the driver could be exploited to:

  • Gain SYSTEM-level privileges from a low-privileged account
  • Bypass security sandboxes
  • Potentially execute arbitrary code

Technical Analysis

Attack Vector

The exploit requires:
1. Local access to the target system
2. Ability to connect a malicious USB video device
3. Or ability to manipulate existing USB video device drivers

Impact Assessment

  • CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
  • Attack Complexity: Low
  • Privileges Required: Low
  • User Interaction: Required (device connection)

Affected Systems

  • Windows 10 versions 1809 through 22H2
  • Windows 11 versions 21H2 through 23H2
  • Windows Server 2019 and 2022

Mitigation Strategies

Microsoft has released emergency patches through Windows Update. Administrators should:

  1. Apply KB5035849 (or later) immediately
  2. Restrict physical USB port access
  3. Implement Device Guard policies
  4. Monitor for unusual driver activity

Temporary Workarounds

If immediate patching isn't possible:

# Disable USB Video Driver via PowerShell
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "Microsoft-Windows-USB-UVC"

Or through Group Policy:
1. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation
2. Enable "Prevent installation of devices using drivers that match these device setup classes"
3. Add {e5323777-f976-4f5b-9b55-b94699c46e44} (USB Video Class GUID)

Detection Methods

Security teams should look for:

  • Unexpected usbvideo.sys modifications
  • Unusual process creation from system32 drivers
  • Multiple failed driver load attempts

Historical Context

This marks the third major USB driver vulnerability in Windows since 2022, following:

  • CVE-2022-29142 (USB HID)
  • CVE-2023-35636 (USB Audio)
  1. Patch immediately: Deploy Microsoft's security update
  2. Audit USB devices: Inventory all connected video devices
  3. Monitor endpoints: Watch for exploit attempts
  4. Educate users: Warn against connecting unknown USB devices

Future Outlook

Microsoft has announced plans to:

  • Rewrite portions of the USB video stack
  • Implement additional memory protections
  • Add driver signature enforcement enhancements in Windows 12

Security researchers recommend treating this as a critical vulnerability due to the increasing sophistication of physical-to-digital attack vectors in corporate environments.