Zoom Fixes Critical Windows Security Flaw – Update Now
▼ Summary
– Zoom warns of a critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-49457, severity 9.6/10) in its Windows client that could allow attackers to take over endpoints.
– The flaw involves Zoom loading malicious DLLs due to insecure path handling, enabling privilege escalation without authentication.
– Attackers could install persistent malware like ransomware or steal sensitive data, including meeting recordings and credentials.
– Affected products include Zoom Workplace, Zoom Rooms, and Zoom Meeting SDK for Windows before version 6.3.10.
– Zoom has released a patch and urges users to update immediately to mitigate the risk.
Zoom has issued an urgent security update for its Windows application after discovering a critical vulnerability that could allow hackers to take complete control of affected systems. The flaw, identified as CVE-2025-49457 with a severity rating of 9.6 out of 10, poses significant risks to businesses and individual users alike.
The issue stems from how Zoom’s Windows client handles dynamic link libraries (DLLs). Instead of specifying full paths when loading these files, the software relies on Windows’ default search order. This oversight creates an opportunity for attackers to plant malicious DLLs in trusted locations. If successful, they could execute harmful code with the same permissions as the Zoom application, potentially leading to ransomware infections, data theft, or unauthorized network access.
What makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous is its low complexity. Attackers don’t need authentication or advanced technical skills to exploit it. Simply placing a rogue DLL in the right directory could compromise sensitive data, including meeting recordings, login credentials, and corporate network access. Given Zoom’s widespread use in remote work environments, the potential impact is substantial.
Affected versions include Zoom Workplace for Windows (prior to 6.3.10), Zoom Rooms, Zoom Rooms Controller, and Zoom Meeting SDK for Windows. The company has already released patches, and users are strongly encouraged to update immediately. Delaying could leave systems exposed to attacks that escalate privileges, deploy malware, or pivot deeper into organizational networks.
For IT administrators, this serves as a critical reminder to enforce prompt updates across all endpoints. The fix is straightforward, installing the latest version eliminates the risk, but procrastination could have severe consequences. Given the ease of exploitation, prioritizing this update is non-negotiable for maintaining cybersecurity hygiene.
Businesses relying on Zoom for daily operations should also review their security protocols. Ensuring that software remains up-to-date and monitoring for unusual activity can help mitigate threats before they escalate. With cybercriminals constantly seeking weak points, staying ahead of vulnerabilities like this one is essential for safeguarding sensitive communications and data.
(Source: techradar)
