PipeMagic Trojan Exploits Windows CLFS Zero-Day Vulnerability to Deploy Ransomware
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A Critical Zero-Day Threat Targeting Global Industries
In a recently uncovered cybersecurity threat, Microsoft disclosed a serious zero-day vulnerability—CVE-2025-29824—within the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS). This flaw has been actively exploited in targeted ransomware attacks across several industries, raising urgent concerns about Windows system vulnerabilities and advanced persistent threats.
The trojan behind this breach, PipeMagic, is not new to the cybersecurity radar but has significantly evolved. This time, it’s being used to gain SYSTEM privileges, execute ransomware payloads, and cause widespread damage in IT, real estate, financial, software, and retail sectors around the globe.
What is CVE-2025-29824 and Why It Matters
Privilege Escalation via CLFS Kernel Driver
This zero-day vulnerability allows an attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, giving them complete control over an affected machine. The CLFS kernel driver contains a bug that, when exploited, allows unauthorized access to critical functions using the RtlSetAllBits API to overwrite the access token, granting all system privileges.
Confirmed Targets
According to Microsoft, the following sectors and geographies were among the confirmed victims:
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- IT and Real Estate sectors in the United States
- Financial Sector in Venezuela
- A Spanish software company
- Retail operations in Saudi Arabia
How PipeMagic Executes the Exploit
Delivery via Compromised Legitimate Sites
Though the exact method of initial access remains unclear, threat actors have used certutil to download malicious payloads from compromised, legitimate websites. The malware comes disguised as a malicious MSBuild file carrying an encrypted trojan that launches PipeMagic.
Modular, Evasive Trojan
First identified in 2022, PipeMagic operates as a modular trojan capable of executing a variety of post-exploit activities:
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- Injecting into SYSTEM processes
- Dumping LSASS memory to steal credentials
- Launching ransomware with randomized file extensions
- Dropping ransom notes linked to RansomEXX via TOR domains
Ransomware Impact: From Privilege Escalation to System Encryption
Post-Compromise Activities
Once SYSTEM access is obtained, the threat actors move quickly to:
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- Dump credential memory from LSASS
- Encrypt critical data across the network
- Deploy ransom notes with instructions leading to RansomEXX infrastructure
The failure to obtain a decrypted ransomware sample limits full technical analysis, but the threat is already proving destructive.
Recurring Patterns: PipeMagic’s Continued Use of CLFS Zero-Days
This isn’t the first time PipeMagic has exploited a CLFS vulnerability. It was previously associated with:
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- CVE-2023-28252, another privilege escalation flaw
- CVE-2025-24983, flagged by ESET and patched last month
The repeated abuse of CLFS vulnerabilities highlights a systemic weak point in Windows kernel components that requires urgent attention.
Why Windows 11 Version 24H2 is Safer
Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 (24H2) isn’t affected by CVE-2025-29824 due to a security change in how NtQuerySystemInformation handles requests. Only processes with SeDebugPrivilege can access sensitive data—effectively blocking the exploit path.
Microsoft’s Mitigation Efforts and Advisory
Patch Tuesday Update
The vulnerability was patched in April 2025’s Patch Tuesday, and Microsoft advises immediate updates to protect against active exploitation.
Insights from Microsoft Threat Intelligence
“Ransomware threat actors value post-compromise elevation of privilege exploits. These enable them to escalate access from commodity malware into privileged domains, aiding widespread ransomware deployment,” — Microsoft
How to Stay Protected: Best Practices for Defense
Immediate Steps You Can Take
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- Update All Windows Systems with the latest security patches.
- Harden privilege management using tools like LAPS and Just-In-Time (JIT) access.
- Monitor system tools like
certutilandMSBuild.exefor unusual activity. - Implement EDR/XDR solutions to detect unusual privilege escalation.
- Audit user accounts for SeDebugPrivilege permissions.
FAQs: Understanding the PipeMagic and CVE-2025-29824 Threat
1. What is PipeMagic?
PipeMagic is a modular trojan that allows remote attackers to inject code into SYSTEM processes, steal credentials, and deploy ransomware payloads.
2. What is CVE-2025-29824?
A privilege escalation vulnerability in the Windows CLFS kernel driver that allows unauthorized SYSTEM access, now patched in April 2025.
3. Who are the likely targets of this exploit?
Organizations in the U.S. IT/real estate sectors, Venezuela’s financial sector, a Spanish software firm, and Saudi Arabian retail businesses.
4. Is Windows 11 vulnerable?
No. Specifically, Windows 11 version 24H2 is immune due to tightened access restrictions within system APIs.
5. What ransomware family is involved?
The attacks are linked to the RansomEXX ransomware family, known for high-impact enterprise ransomware campaigns.
6. How can I detect if I’m infected?
Look for unusual use of MSBuild.exe, encrypted files with unknown extensions, and the presence of TOR-based ransom notes.
How Technijian Can Help You Defend Against Zero-Day Exploits
At Technijian, we specialize in proactive cybersecurity and zero-day threat defense. Here’s how we can help:
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- Real-time Threat Monitoring: Using AI-driven tools, we detect suspicious behavior before damage occurs.
- Patch Management Services: We ensure all your systems are always up-to-date—without interrupting business operations.
- Privilege Escalation Prevention: Our team configures and audits systems to block access to dangerous privileges like SeDebug.
- Ransomware Defense & Recovery: From backup solutions to rapid ransomware removal, we minimize damage and ensure fast recovery.
- Security Awareness Training: Empower your team to identify phishing, malware, and ransomware vectors before they exploit vulnerabilities.
🔐 Don’t wait until you’re the next headline. Let Technijian safeguard your digital infrastructure now. Contact Us to schedule a security assessment.
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