CVE-2024-26220 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0) related to the Windows Mobile Hotspot feature. The issue is classified under CWE-908, which concerns the use of uninitialized resources. Specifically, this vulnerability arises when the system improperly handles certain resources during the operation of the Mobile Hotspot functionality, leading to potential information disclosure. An attacker with limited privileges (local access with low complexity) and requiring user interaction could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability but has a high impact on confidentiality. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.0 (medium severity), with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), user interaction (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was published on April 9, 2024, and was reserved in mid-February 2024. The root cause is the use of uninitialized resources in the Mobile Hotspot feature, which can lead to leakage of sensitive information to unauthorized users on the same system or with local access.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-26220 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information via the Windows Mobile Hotspot feature on affected Windows 10 Version 1809 systems. Since the vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, the risk is higher in environments where multiple users share devices or where attackers can trick users into performing specific actions. Confidentiality breaches could expose corporate data, credentials, or other sensitive information, potentially facilitating further attacks such as lateral movement or privilege escalation. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, so operational disruption is unlikely. However, organizations with legacy systems still running Windows 10 Version 1809, particularly in sectors with high data sensitivity such as finance, healthcare, and government, may face increased risk. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time. The limited attack vector (local access) means remote exploitation is not feasible, reducing the threat surface for remote attackers but emphasizing the importance of endpoint security and user awareness.

1. Upgrade affected systems: The most effective mitigation is to upgrade Windows 10 Version 1809 systems to a more recent, supported version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 where this vulnerability is not present. 2. Restrict local access: Limit physical and local access to devices running the affected OS version to trusted personnel only. 3. Disable Mobile Hotspot feature: If the Mobile Hotspot feature is not required, disable it via system settings or group policy to eliminate the attack vector. 4. User training: Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted prompts or applications that could trigger the vulnerability. 5. Endpoint protection: Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that monitor for suspicious local activities and privilege abuse. 6. Network segmentation: Isolate devices running legacy OS versions from sensitive network segments to reduce the impact of potential information disclosure. 7. Monitor for updates: Regularly check for official patches or security updates from Microsoft addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 8. Audit and harden local privilege assignments: Review and minimize local privileges to reduce the number of users who can exploit this vulnerability.