Microsoft Edge UI Misrepresentation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

February 24th, 2025
ZDI-25-090 ZDI-CAN-25393

CVE ID

CVE-2025-21404

CVSS Score

7.5 AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors

Microsoft

Affected Products

Edge

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Microsoft Edge. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

The specific flaw exists within the way Microsoft Edge displays a warning about hazardous downloads. A crafted file name can cause the warning message to be displayed incorrectly, misleading the user into believing that the file is harmless. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current user.

Additional Details

Microsoft has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-21404

Disclosure Timeline

  • 2024-09-17 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2025-02-24 - Coordinated public release of advisory
  • 2025-02-24 - Advisory Updated

Credit

Simon Zuckerbraun and Peter Girnus - Trend Micro Zero Day Initiative

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