CVE-2024-26202 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) affecting the DHCP Server service in Microsoft Windows Server 2019, specifically version 10.0.17763.0. This vulnerability allows an attacker with high privileges (PR:H) to remotely execute arbitrary code on the affected system without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), meaning exploitation can occur remotely over the network. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H), enabling full system compromise if successfully exploited. The flaw resides in the DHCP Server service, which processes network requests related to IP address allocation and management. A heap-based buffer overflow occurs when the service improperly handles crafted DHCP packets, leading to memory corruption that an attacker can leverage to execute malicious code with system-level privileges. The CVSS score of 7.2 reflects the high risk posed by this vulnerability, although no known exploits are currently observed in the wild. The vulnerability was reserved in February 2024 and published in April 2024, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No patches or mitigation links are currently provided, suggesting that organizations must monitor for updates from Microsoft. Given the critical role of Windows Server 2019 in enterprise environments, especially for DHCP services, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to network infrastructure and service continuity.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-26202 could be substantial. Windows Server 2019 is widely deployed across enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure sectors in Europe, often serving as DHCP servers that manage IP address allocation and network configuration. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution with system privileges, allowing attackers to gain control over affected servers. This could result in data breaches, disruption of network services, lateral movement within corporate networks, and potential deployment of ransomware or other malware. The compromise of DHCP services could also disrupt network connectivity for large numbers of devices, impacting business operations and availability of critical services. Given the high integrity and availability impact, organizations relying on Windows Server 2019 for network infrastructure face risks to operational continuity and data security. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk, especially as threat actors may develop exploits following public disclosure.

1. Immediate network segmentation: Isolate DHCP servers running Windows Server 2019 from untrusted networks to reduce exposure to remote attacks. 2. Apply principle of least privilege: Restrict administrative access to DHCP servers and monitor for unusual activity. 3. Monitor network traffic for anomalous DHCP packets that could indicate exploitation attempts. 4. Implement strict firewall rules to limit inbound traffic to DHCP services only from trusted sources. 5. Regularly check for and apply Microsoft security updates as soon as patches become available for this vulnerability. 6. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions on DHCP servers to detect and respond to suspicious behaviors indicative of exploitation. 7. Conduct vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on DHCP services to identify potential exposure. 8. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing DHCP service compromise scenarios to enable rapid containment and recovery.