CVE-2024-26182 is a high-severity vulnerability identified as a Use After Free (CWE-416) flaw within the Windows Kernel of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability allows an attacker with limited privileges (low-level local access) to elevate their privileges to SYSTEM level by exploiting improper memory handling in the kernel. Specifically, the kernel frees memory but continues to use the pointer, leading to potential memory corruption. This can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode, thereby compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and patched status is not explicitly provided in the data. The vulnerability affects a legacy version of Windows 10 (1809), which is still in use in some environments, particularly in industrial, embedded, or legacy enterprise systems. Exploitation requires local access but no user interaction, making it a significant risk for environments where untrusted users or processes have local access. The vulnerability could be chained with other exploits to achieve full system compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-26182 is significant, especially for those still running Windows 10 Version 1809 in production environments. The ability to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level can lead to full system compromise, data breaches, disruption of critical services, and lateral movement within networks. This is particularly concerning for sectors with legacy systems such as manufacturing, healthcare, and government agencies that may have delayed patch cycles or rely on specialized software tied to older OS versions. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means sensitive data could be exposed or altered, and critical infrastructure could be disrupted. Additionally, since no user interaction is required, automated or stealthy exploitation is possible once local access is gained, increasing the risk from insider threats or compromised accounts. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as public disclosure often leads to rapid development of exploit code.

1. Immediate patching or upgrading: Organizations should prioritize upgrading from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a supported and patched version of Windows 10 or Windows 11. If upgrading is not immediately feasible, apply any available security updates from Microsoft addressing this vulnerability. 2. Restrict local access: Limit local user accounts and enforce strict access controls to reduce the risk of untrusted users or processes gaining local access. 3. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection: Use advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious kernel-level activity and prevent exploitation attempts. 4. Harden privilege management: Enforce least privilege principles and monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts. 5. Network segmentation: Isolate legacy systems running Windows 10 1809 from critical network segments to contain potential compromise. 6. Regular vulnerability scanning and asset inventory: Maintain accurate inventories of systems running legacy OS versions and scan regularly to identify vulnerable hosts. 7. Monitor security advisories: Stay updated on Microsoft patches and advisories related to this CVE to apply mitigations promptly once patches are released.