A critical flaw, CVE-2025-21210, has been identified in Windows BitLocker, affecting its AES-XTS encryption mode. This vulnerability enables attackers with physical access to devices to manipulate encrypted data, causing sensitive information to be stored in plaintext.

The issue originates from a flaw in BitLocker’s crash dump handling. By corrupting a specific registry key, attackers can disable the crash dump filter driver. This forces the Windows kernel to write unencrypted hibernation files to the disk, potentially exposing critical data like passwords and encryption keys. The attack involves analyzing changes in encrypted blocks and modifying them to expose plaintext without impacting other data blocks.

How the Vulnerability Works  

• Exploit Mechanism: Attackers disable the crash dump filter, bypassing BitLocker’s encryption safeguards.

• Data Risk: Unencrypted files may contain sensitive information critical to system security.

• Attack Scenarios: Risks are heightened in cases of stolen devices, improper disposal, or repair situations where physical access is possible.

 Mitigation Strategies  

Microsoft has addressed the vulnerability by updating the crash dump filter driver, introducing integrity checks. If tampering is detected, the system halts to prevent unencrypted data from being saved. Organizations must act swiftly to apply the update and ensure their systems are secure.

Rest assured, this process is simplified with ManageEngine Endpoint Central Patch Manager Plus, which enables efficient deployment of patches to address the vulnerability.

Microsoft released 2025-01 Cumulative update and 2025-01 Security Roll-up patches for all Windows Operating System, which includes fix for this vulnerability CVE-2025-21210. If these patches are relevant to your environment, they will appear under Missing Patches in the Patches tab.

We support the deployment of the following Patch IDs to address this issue:

40441, 40413, 40414, 40423, 40424, 40425, 40426, 40427, 40428, 40429, 40419, 40420, 40421, 40422, 40436, 40440, 40434, 40431, 40432, 40433, 40415, 40416, 40417, 40430, 40437, 40438, 40439.

Ensure robust security and streamline your patch management process effortlessly with ManageEngine Endpoint Central Patch Manager Plus !