CVE-2023-29360 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-822 (Untrusted Pointer Dereference) affecting Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The flaw exists in the Microsoft Streaming Service, where improper handling of pointers can lead to elevation of privilege. Specifically, the vulnerability allows an attacker with local access to the system to execute code or commands with elevated privileges by exploiting the untrusted pointer dereference, bypassing normal security controls. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.4, indicating a high-severity issue with attack vector Local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date (June 13, 2023). The vulnerability was reserved on April 4, 2023, and published shortly after. No patch link is provided in the data, suggesting organizations must consult official Microsoft security advisories for remediation. The vulnerability's nature means that an attacker must have local access, but once exploited, can gain full control over the affected system, posing significant risks to system security and data protection.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-29360 is significant due to the potential for local attackers or insiders to escalate privileges and compromise critical systems running Windows 10 Version 1809. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, and potential lateral movement within networks. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly at risk as exploitation could undermine data confidentiality and system integrity, leading to regulatory non-compliance and operational downtime. The vulnerability's high impact on availability also raises concerns about potential denial-of-service conditions if exploited. Since Windows 10 Version 1809 is an older release, some organizations may still rely on it due to legacy application dependencies, increasing their exposure. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time. Therefore, European entities must assess their exposure and prioritize mitigation to prevent potential breaches.

1. Verify and apply the latest security updates from Microsoft specifically addressing CVE-2023-29360; if no direct patch is available, consider upgrading to a supported and fully patched Windows 10 version or later. 2. Restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 by enforcing strict access controls, limiting administrative privileges, and using endpoint protection solutions to detect suspicious activities. 3. Employ application whitelisting and behavior monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized code execution that could exploit this vulnerability. 4. Conduct regular audits of user accounts and permissions to minimize the risk of privilege escalation by malicious insiders or compromised accounts. 5. Implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement in case of exploitation. 6. Monitor system logs and security alerts for unusual activities related to the Microsoft Streaming Service or privilege escalation attempts. 7. Educate IT staff about the risks associated with legacy Windows versions and encourage migration planning to supported platforms. 8. If patching is delayed, consider deploying host-based intrusion prevention systems (HIPS) that can block exploitation attempts targeting untrusted pointer dereference vulnerabilities.