NTLM Spoofing Vulnerability Puts Arkansas Networks at Risk

At Red Garrison LLC, we focus on protecting Arkansas businesses, and agencies from the kinds of threats that don’t always make headlines—but still have real-world impact. Today, we’re highlighting CVE-2025-24054, a newly exploited Windows NTLM vulnerability that can allow attackers to spoof identities across a network.

This vulnerability affects multiple versions of Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server and has been added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, signaling that attackers are already taking advantage of it. If your organization uses Windows—and almost everyone does—you need to understand the risk.

What Is CVE-2025-24054?

CVE-2025-24054 is a spoofing vulnerability tied to NTLM, Microsoft's authentication protocol used in Windows environments. Specifically, this flaw allows an attacker to manipulate how file names or paths are handled, resulting in potential identity spoofing over a network.

An attacker could craft inputs that trick Windows systems into misidentifying users or devices, potentially giving them unauthorized access to network resources. In short, it lets bad actors pretend to be someone they’re not—a classic move in lateral movement and privilege escalation.

Why It Matters to Arkansas Organizations

Because this is a Windows-based vulnerability, the impact is far-reaching. Businesses, schools, and government agencies across Arkansas all rely on Microsoft environments for daily operations—whether it’s user logins, shared drives, or email systems.

Here’s how it hits close to home:

• Schools and District Offices – If students or staff use shared computers or local Active Directory networks, a successful spoofing attack could let someone bypass restrictions or access sensitive systems.

• Small Businesses – Most SMBs in Arkansas use Windows 10/11 for desktops and Windows Server for file storage and authentication. This vulnerability puts internal resources at risk from attackers already inside the network.

• Local Governments – Municipal agencies using Windows infrastructure (especially in older builds) are vulnerable to attackers trying to impersonate users or machines. This could lead to document theft, privilege escalation, or disruption of services.

The Risk: Subtle, Yet Dangerous

What makes CVE-2025-24054 dangerous is its low barrier to exploitation. The flaw doesn’t require special privileges or advanced tools. It can be triggered remotely over the network, and the attacker doesn’t need any direct interaction with the victim—just a way in.

Microsoft rates the severity as medium, but CISA’s inclusion in its KEV catalog tells the real story: this is being exploited in the wild.

What Arkansas Organizations Should Do Now

1. Check Your Windows Versions
   This affects multiple builds of Windows 10, 11, and various versions of Windows Server, including 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022. If your version is not fully patched, you may be vulnerable.

2. Apply the Official Microsoft Patch Immediately
   Microsoft has issued a security update for this vulnerability. Visit Microsoft’s advisory and ensure your systems are patched.

3. Audit NTLM Usage
   NTLM is widely used, but it’s also outdated. If possible, shift to Kerberos or modern authentication protocols and disable NTLM where you can.

4. Monitor Authentication Logs
   Keep an eye out for unexpected or suspicious login attempts—especially lateral movement or access to shared folders.

5. Ask Your MSP or IT Vendor for Confirmation
   If you use a third-party IT provider, ask them directly if your network has been patched and if NTLM spoofing protections are in place.

Final Thoughts

Cyber threats don’t always come through the front door. Sometimes they slip through legacy systems, misconfigurations, or outdated protocols—like NTLM. CVE-2025-24054 is one of those quiet vulnerabilities that can become a serious breach if ignored.

At Red Garrison LLC, we specialize in hands-on testing, patch validation, and proactive threat hunting for Arkansas businesses and schools. If you’re not sure whether your systems are vulnerable—or how NTLM is used in your environment—we can help you find out before someone else does.

Patch smart. Audit often. Stay ahead.

— The Red Garrison LLC Team