CVE-2024-38202
Microsoft
CVE-2024-38202 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows Update. This flaw could allow an attacker with basic user privileges to potentially reintroduce previously fixed vulnerabilities or bypass certain Virtualization Based Security (VBS) features.
Despite a CVSS score of 7.3, its SOCRadar Vulnerability Risk Score (SVRS) is 40, indicating a moderate real-world risk. Successful exploitation requires tricking a privileged user into performing a system restore, making it less critical than vulnerabilities exploitable without user interaction. However, organizations should still apply the Microsoft security update released on October 8, 2024, to fully mitigate the attack vector. This vulnerability highlights the importance of user education and secure system administration practices to prevent potential exploitation. While not immediately critical, addressing CVE-2024-38202 is essential for maintaining a strong security posture.
Description
CVE-2024-38202 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows Update that could allow an attacker with basic user privileges to reintroduce previously mitigated vulnerabilities or circumvent some features of Virtualization Based Security (VBS). The SVRS for this CVE is 34, indicating a moderate level of risk.
Key Insights
- Exploitation requires user interaction: An attacker must trick or convince an Administrator or a user with delegated permissions into performing a system restore to exploit this vulnerability.
- Public presentation: A public presentation regarding this vulnerability was hosted at BlackHat on August 7, 2024, which may increase the likelihood of exploitation attempts.
- No active exploits: Microsoft is not aware of any attempts to exploit this vulnerability, but it is recommended to take precautions until a security update is available.
- CISA warning: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned of this vulnerability, calling for immediate and necessary measures.
Mitigation Strategies
- Configure "Audit Object Access" settings to monitor attempts to access files related to Windows Update.
- Audit users with permission to perform Update and Restore operations to ensure only appropriate users can perform these actions.
- Implement Access Control Lists or Discretionary Access Control Lists to restrict access to Update files and Restore operations to authorized users.
- Audit sensitive privileges used to identify access, modification, or replacement of Update related files to detect potential exploitation attempts.
Additional Information
If users have additional queries regarding this incident, they can use the 'Ask to Analyst' feature, contact SOCRadar directly, or open a support ticket for more information if necessary.
Indicators of Compromise
Exploits
News
Social Media
Affected Software
References
CWE Details
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