CVE-2025-21204

Published Apr 8, 2025

Last updated 8 months ago

CVSS high 7.8
Windows Update Stack

Overview

Description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Source
secure@microsoft.com
NVD status
Analyzed
Products
windows_10_1507, windows_10_1607, windows_10_1809, windows_10_21h2, windows_10_22h2, windows_11_22h2, windows_11_23h2, windows_11_24h2, windows_server_2008, windows_server_2012, windows_server_2016, windows_server_2019, windows_server_2022, windows_server_2022_23h2, windows_server_2025

Risk scores

CVSS 3.1

Type
Secondary
Base score
7.8
Impact score
5.9
Exploitability score
1.8
Vector string
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Severity
HIGH

Weaknesses

secure@microsoft.com
CWE-59

Social media

Hype score
Not currently trending
  1. Found it @theJoshMeister CVE-2025-21204, a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Windows Update Stack.

    @Parkway_Pro_

    27 Jan 2026

    143 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    1 Reply

    1 Quote

  2. Microsoft has issued a warning for Windows 11 users to restore the "inetpub" folder if they mistakenly removed it. This empty folder, which can be easily deleted with admin permission, is required to patch a critical issue in Windows 11(CVE-2025-21204). via @WindowsLatest

    @upgradeoptions

    11 Jun 2025

    19 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  3. #exploit #Kernel_Security 1. CVE-2025-21204: Abusing the Windows Update Stack to Gain SYSTEM Access https://t.co/8ylvL8ufqu 2. Bypassing MTE with CVE-2025-0072 (Arm Mali GPU kernel code execution) https://t.co/u4Kkub9Wv3 ]-> PoC: https://t.co/LAOp98tvWr

    @ksg93rd

    10 Jun 2025

    2042 Impressions

    21 Retweets

    44 Likes

    26 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  4. Microsoft has issued a warning for Windows 11 users to restore the "inetpub" folder if they mistakenly removed it. This empty folder, which can be easily deleted with admin permission, is required to patch a critical issue in Windows 11(CVE-2025-21204). via @WindowsLatest

    @upgradeoptions

    9 Jun 2025

    22 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  5. 記事を投稿しました! CVE-2025-21204への対処で生まれたinetpubフォルダを削除してしまったあなたへの処方箋 ~2025-06-09版~ [Windows] on #Qiita https://t.co/RsPbTQZ843

    @yumetodo

    9 Jun 2025

    51 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    1 Like

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  6. マイクロソフト、削除すべきでないinetpubフォルダを復元するスクリプトを公開(CVE-2025-21204) https://t.co/dtZaKNZseO #Security #セキュリティ #ニュース

    @SecureShield_

    7 Jun 2025

    25 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  7. Microsoft's April 2025 update creates 'inetpub' to fix a serious vulnerability. Deleting it risks security; a PowerShell script is now available to restore and set proper permissions. 🔒 #CVE-2025-21204 #Windows #US https://t.co/XXHCwepj6Z

    @TweetThreatNews

    6 Jun 2025

    100 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  8. 🦹🐿️ Villain of the Week - Evil Squirrel Lady! 🐿️🦹 A critical vulnerability, CVE-2025-21204, affects the Windows Update Servicing Stack, allowing local attackers to gain elevated privileges by exploiting improper access control tied to the C:\inetpub directory.

    @vicariusltd

    28 May 2025

    99 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    1 Like

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  9. INETPUB - ⚠️nie usuwaj tego katalogu. • Katalog jest pusty. • Został stworzony przez Windows Update. • Celem jest ochrona Twojego systemu. • Stało się to w ostatnim miesiącu. • Więcej informacji znajdziesz szukając CVE-2025-21204. Daj znać czy go zauważyłe

    @KacperSzurek

    6 May 2025

    5912 Impressions

    1 Retweet

    49 Likes

    14 Bookmarks

    12 Replies

    0 Quotes

  10. Windows Update プロセスの脆弱性 CVE-2025-21204:SYSTEM 乗っ取りの PoC が提供 https://t.co/8YKDVFIO7W Windows Update プロセスに発見された新たな脆弱性は、コード・インジェクションを伴わずに EDR や AMSI による検出を回避す

    @iototsecnews

    6 May 2025

    134 Impressions

    2 Retweets

    1 Like

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    1 Quote

  11. Missed in April's Patch Tuesday: CVE-2025-21204, a Windows Update Stack EoP. @ElliShlomo released an exploit on Apr 14, but pulled it days later. Then the fix itself got flagged: it lets non-admins break Windows Updates. MS? No plans to fix. 😬 ➡️ https://t.co/4YHD0MkoAy ht

    @leonov_av

    29 Apr 2025

    57 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  12. ماکروسافت برای آسیب پذیری با کد شناسایی CVE-2025-21204 ،پچ لازم را اعمال نمود. این آسیب پذیری مربوط به servicing stack در ویندوز می شود که به هکرها امکان سوء استفاده از sy

    @AmirHossein_sec

    27 Apr 2025

    33 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  13. #CVE-2025-21204 https://t.co/lHJPwtbuie

    @BlckC0d3

    27 Apr 2025

    44 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  14. 🔒 Surprise! That empty "inetpub" folder on Windows 11 after the April 2025 update isn't a glitch—it's a security upgrade! Microsoft’s got your back against CVE-2025-21204. Who knew empty could be so secure? #WindowsForum #Windows11 #SecurityUpgrade https://t.co/cGWvJ3b97l

    @windowsforum

    27 Apr 2025

    11 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  15. ⚠️ Windows update bug (CVE-2025-21204) creates "inetpub" folder, enabling LPE! Attackers exploit it. Secure your systems! 🛡️ #WindowsSecurity #Cybersecurity #PatchNow https://t.co/TfAMrC9wLi

    @CyberWolfGuard

    26 Apr 2025

    53 Impressions

    1 Retweet

    1 Like

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  16. 📣This week's cybersecurity highlights... out now! Everything you need to know this week in one place 👇 🔵 Microsoft's fix for CVE-2025-21204 triggers another vulnerability 🔵 TAG-124: Malicious infrastructure to propagate malware https://t.co/WTJvdGGuj7

    @TefTech_EN

    25 Apr 2025

    226 Impressions

    3 Retweets

    5 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  17. آسیب پذیری جدیدی برای Windows Update Stack با کد شناسایی CVE-2025-21204 منتشر شده است. آسیب پذیری به هکرها امکان اجرای کد و ارتقای سطح دسترسی به یوزر system را می دهد. با استفاده پکیج update جعلی یا حمله mitm می توانند این آسیب پذیری را exploit می شود. https://t.co/Poz3aKY03t h

    @AmirHossein_sec

    25 Apr 2025

    30 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  18. Windows Güncelleme Açığı Kapatırken Yeni Bir Güvenlik Zafiyeti Oluşturdu (CVE-2025-21204) https://t.co/21EXXWVspE https://t.co/vYULOZNyow

    @cozumpark

    23 Apr 2025

    305 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    1 Like

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  19. Microsoft-Update (Apr 2025) erstellt automatisch einen leeren inetpub-Ordner – auch wenn IIS nicht verwendet wird. Nicht löschen! Gehört zu Sicherheitsmaßnahme (CVE-2025-21204). https://t.co/hMVl3ZKyy4

    @WilhelmKlenner

    22 Apr 2025

    33 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  20. CVE-2025-21204: SYSTEM-Level Privilege Escalation in Windows Update Stack Exposed, PoC Released About the c:\inetpub … https://t.co/Kqr4KIVauA

    @samilaiho

    22 Apr 2025

    2633 Impressions

    13 Retweets

    37 Likes

    16 Bookmarks

    1 Reply

    0 Quotes

  21. CVE-2025-21204: SYSTEM-Level Privilege Escalation in Windows Update Stack Exposed, PoC Released About the c:\inetpub … https://t.co/Kqr4KIVauA

    @samilaiho

    22 Apr 2025

    1652 Impressions

    7 Retweets

    23 Likes

    8 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  22. Windows Update Stackの脆弱性(CVE-2025-21204)により、NTFSジャンクションを悪用してSYSTEM権限を取得可能。研究者がPoCを公開。Microsoftは4月の更新でC:\inetpubを事前作成し、攻撃を防止。このフォルダは削除しないこと。 https://t.co/Jg9AeVlXJD

    @01ra66it

    22 Apr 2025

    2534 Impressions

    22 Retweets

    52 Likes

    23 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  23. Security researcher Elli Shlomo published the technical details and a proof-of-concept exploit code for CVE-2025-21204, a severe local privilege escalation flaw within the Windows Update Stack https://t.co/2p4ZR9l9bd

    @the_yellow_fall

    22 Apr 2025

    572 Impressions

    9 Retweets

    16 Likes

    5 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  24. Windows 11 users: Notice a new “inetpub” folder? Don’t delete it—it’s part of a security fix (CVE-2025-21204) from the latest Patch Tuesday. If you already deleted it, restore it by enabling "Internet Information Services" in Windows Features. https://t.co/8ns8xuWK63 https://t.c

    @arbuonanno

    21 Apr 2025

    25 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  25. ⚡UPDATES! April 16 #ViaMonstraOfficeHours featuring Andrew Johnson 💻 Some devices being offered a Windows 11 upgrade, TLS Certificates reduced to 47 days, vulnerability - CVE-2025-21204, and more! #ViaMonstraAcademy UPDATES 4.16.25 ➡️ https://t.co/Ewpvf8T9mh https://t.co/hRyd7w

    @Mirolus_LLC

    18 Apr 2025

    10 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  26. ⚡UPDATES! April 16 #ViaMonstraOfficeHours featuring Andrew Johnson 💻 Some devices being offered a Windows 11 upgrade, TLS Certificates reduced to 47 days, vulnerability - CVE-2025-21204, and more! #ViaMonstraAcademy Full Office Hours 4.16.25 ➡️ https://t.co/AFoUWRIvXa https://t

    @viamonstra

    18 Apr 2025

    35 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  27. [1day1line] CVE-2025-21204: Privilege Escalation via Improper Link Following in the Windows Update Stack https://t.co/DHJN12WrCj Today’s 1day1line covers a privilege escalation vulnerability found in the Windows Update Stack. Without any memory corruption, the escalation was

    @hackyboiz

    17 Apr 2025

    2190 Impressions

    19 Retweets

    60 Likes

    18 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  28. Noticed a strange “C:\inetpub” folder after the April 2025 Windows (Patch Tuesday) updates? Don’t panic—it’s not a virus. It’s part of a critical security fix (CVE-2025-21204) that protects your system. Microsoft says to leave it, even if you don’t use IIS. #Security #CVE2025

    @SentrixShield

    16 Apr 2025

    23 Impressions

    2 Retweets

    4 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  29. No no no it's not some "bug" guys, It's how Microsoft patched CVE-2025-21204. lmaooo https://t.co/4oeMc85kNy

    @RealBigManBonk

    16 Apr 2025

    0 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  30. 直近のWindowsの定例更新でCドライブ配下に作成された、空のinetpubフォルダについて。Windows Process Activationの権限昇格脆弱性CVE-2025-21204に対する緩和策なので、IISを使用していなくても削除しないように。 https://t.co/JaCFKHaJI9 消してしまった場合、プログラムと機能からIISを有効化

    @__kokumoto

    15 Apr 2025

    3721 Impressions

    24 Retweets

    50 Likes

    15 Bookmarks

    1 Reply

    1 Quote

  31. Wondering why a new 'inetpub' folder appeared after the latest Windows update? 🧐 It’s not just for IIS. Microsoft added it as a security measure against CVE-2025-21204. Don’t delete it. Here's why: https://t.co/xoBvTHF0Bu #WindowsUpdate #InfoSec #CyberSecurity

    @threatsbank

    15 Apr 2025

    48 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  32. Nach dem neuesten #Windows Update im April taucht ein mysteriöser "inetpub"-Ordner auf. #Microsoft warnt: Nicht löschen! Er schützt vor einer kritischen Sicherheitslücke (CVE-2025-21204). Erfahre mehr und was zu tun ist, falls er weg ist: https://t.co/bAn5ziq9n7 https://t.co/qlay

    @JanSiefken

    15 Apr 2025

    6 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    2 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  33. This CVE-2025-21204 is interesting, first is what would happen if a privileged user creates an "inetpub" and here is Microsoft's new ACL's. They are preventing people writing and deleting files from the Inetpub folder which are being used for SYSTEM / NETWORK SERVICE accounts. ht

    @hackerfantastic

    14 Apr 2025

    3566 Impressions

    16 Retweets

    41 Likes

    15 Bookmarks

    1 Reply

    0 Quotes

  34. No, don’t delete that new inetpub folder. It’s part of Microsoft’s fix for CVE-2025-21204, a local privilege escalation flaw. ✅ It’s harmless ✅ It’s for protection ❌ It’s not just for IIS Leave it. It’s watching your back. 🔒 https://t.co/SjS8oHRHlk

    @CareWeDoNot

    14 Apr 2025

    42 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    1 Like

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  35. Microsoft put C:\inetpub junk there for a reason 🫠 CVE-2025-21204 #greatfix https://t.co/VlVgTdS9mD

    @sixtyvividtails

    14 Apr 2025

    16441 Impressions

    26 Retweets

    298 Likes

    76 Bookmarks

    3 Replies

    0 Quotes

  36. Microsoft confirms the unexpected “inetpub” folder created after the April 2025 update is not a bug. It’s tied to a security patch (CVE-2025-21204) meant to protect system files from malicious attacks. #Windows11 #Microsoft #CyberSecurity #WindowsUpdate #CVE2025 #SystemSecurity h

    @geniuspulse360

    13 Apr 2025

    26 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  37. 🚨 Windows users — don’t delete the C:\inetpub folder! After the April 2025 patch, Microsoft confirmed it's created even without IIS installed. ✅ It’s part of a security fix for CVE-2025-21204 🛑 Deleting it may interfere with system protection 🔗 https://t.co/ZYCx4HtprM http

    @nizarhammadi81

    12 Apr 2025

    221 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    1 Quote

  38. If you see a new `inetpub` folder on your Windows 11 after the April 2025 update, don't worry It's part of a security patch for CVE-2025-21204 and should not be deleted. #Windows11 #Microsoft #SecurityUpdate https://t.co/XYkCu5vELR

    @ApkZillaDaily

    11 Apr 2025

    2 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  39. April 2025 Windows update creates an empty "inetpub" folder (even without IIS). Microsoft warns: do not delete it. It increases protection related to CVE-2025-21204. https://t.co/FrMpnhw4Gp

    @Jfreeg_

    11 Apr 2025

    55 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  40. New Windows update creates an empty "inetpub" folder? 📁 Microsoft warns: DO NOT DELETE! It's part of a security update (CVE-2025-21204) to prevent privilege escalation. 🤔 Learn more to stay secure! #WindowsUpdate #Cybersecurity #InfoSec https://t.co/DzSo1YXUku

    @fernandokarl

    11 Apr 2025

    10 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  41. あ、パッチ適用で作成されたinetpubフォルダ消しちゃダメなのか / CVE-2025-21204 - セキュリティ更新プログラム ガイド - Microsoft - Windows プロセス アクティブ化の特権昇格の脆弱性 https://t.co/kPUU09EZFb

    @_jackson

    11 Apr 2025

    3 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  42. 🚨 CVE-2025-21204 🔴 HIGH (7.8) 🏢 Microsoft - Windows Server 2025 🏗️ 10.0.26100.0 🔗 https://t.co/rfILlo6ofV #CyberCron #VulnAlert #InfoSec https://t.co/bI5e0B4WxA

    @cybercronai

    9 Apr 2025

    27 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

  43. CVE-2025-21204 Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows Update Stack allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally. https://t.co/bHL4lAPB6o

    @CVEnew

    9 Apr 2025

    104 Impressions

    0 Retweets

    0 Likes

    0 Bookmarks

    0 Replies

    0 Quotes

Configurations