CVE-2024-38106
Published: August 13, 2024
Official Description
Microsoft Windows Kernel contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation, enabling a local attacker to gain SYSTEM privileges. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to win a race condition.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Windows Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows Kernel contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation, enabling a local attacker to gain SYSTEM privileges. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to win a race condition.
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Risk Analysis
This unspecified vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Kernel allows a local attacker to gain SYSTEM privileges by winning a race condition. Its presence in CISA's KEV catalog and active exploitation in the wild underscore its critical nature, even with a low EPSS score suggesting a lower overall exploitation probability for all internet-facing systems. Successful exploitation grants an attacker full control over the affected system.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild, as confirmed by its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog. Exploitation requires local access and involves winning a race condition.
Apply the latest security updates from Microsoft for the Windows Kernel. Ensure systems are regularly patched and implement principle of least privilege for all users.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-38106 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2024-38106 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2024-38106 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1