In September 2024, a significant security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-6769, was disclosed, affecting multiple versions of Microsoft Windows, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server editions from 2016 through 2022. This flaw enables authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges from medium to high integrity without triggering a User Account Control (UAC) prompt, thereby bypassing standard security measures.
Technical Overview
The vulnerability arises from a combination of DLL hijacking and activation cache poisoning. By remapping drives and manipulating the activation cache, an attacker can execute malicious code with elevated privileges. This method effectively circumvents the UAC mechanism designed to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation. The issue was initially reported to Microsoft by Fortra on May 15, 2024. Despite follow-ups, Microsoft did not classify it as a vulnerability, leading Fortra to publish their findings on September 26, 2024. (fortra.com)
Affected Systems
The following Microsoft Windows versions are susceptible to CVE-2024-6769:
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2022
Mitigation Strategies
To protect systems from potential exploitation:
- Apply Security Updates: Ensure all systems are updated with the latest security patches from Microsoft.
- Monitor System Logs: Regularly review logs for unusual activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.
- Limit User Privileges: Adhere to the principle of least privilege, granting users only the access necessary for their roles.
CVE-2024-6769 underscores the importance of proactive vulnerability management and timely application of security patches. Organizations must remain vigilant, continuously monitor their systems, and implement robust security practices to mitigate such risks.
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