CVE-2023-24542 is a vulnerability identified in Intel(R) Thunderbolt(TM) DCH drivers for Windows versions prior to 88. The issue stems from an unquoted search path or element within the driver software. Unquoted search path vulnerabilities occur when the system searches for executable files in directories specified by a path that is not properly quoted, allowing an attacker to place a malicious executable in a location that the system will prioritize during the search. In this case, the vulnerability allows an authenticated local user to escalate privileges by exploiting the unquoted search path to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-428, which relates to improper protection of system or configuration settings. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.7, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) indicates that the attack requires local access (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), low privileges (PR:L), user interaction (UI:R), and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all high). No known exploits in the wild have been reported so far. This vulnerability affects Windows systems running Intel Thunderbolt DCH drivers before version 88, which are commonly used to manage Thunderbolt ports and devices on many modern laptops and desktops. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker who already has limited access to a system to gain higher privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise or unauthorized access to sensitive data.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily in environments where Intel Thunderbolt DCH drivers are deployed on Windows endpoints. Since Thunderbolt technology is widely used in business laptops and workstations for high-speed peripheral connectivity, many enterprises across Europe could be affected. The escalation of privilege could allow attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or exfiltrate sensitive information, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of corporate data. This is particularly critical for sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government institutions within the EU, where unauthorized access could lead to regulatory penalties under GDPR. Additionally, organizations with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies or remote work setups may have increased exposure due to varied patch levels and user privileges. Although exploitation requires local access and user interaction, the medium severity and potential for privilege escalation warrant prompt attention to prevent lateral movement and deeper network compromise.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should: 1) Identify all endpoints running Intel Thunderbolt DCH drivers and verify the driver version, prioritizing those below version 88. 2) Apply the latest driver updates from Intel as soon as they become available, or use Windows Update if the driver is distributed through it. 3) Restrict local user privileges to the minimum necessary, reducing the risk that a low-privilege user can exploit the vulnerability. 4) Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious activity related to privilege escalation attempts. 5) Educate users about the risks of executing untrusted applications or interacting with unknown peripherals, since user interaction is required for exploitation. 6) Regularly audit and harden system configurations to prevent unauthorized modifications to search paths or environment variables. 7) For high-security environments, consider disabling Thunderbolt ports if not required or using BIOS/UEFI settings to limit Thunderbolt device access. These steps go beyond generic patching advice by emphasizing proactive endpoint management, user privilege control, and behavioral monitoring tailored to this specific vulnerability.