CVE-2024-26234 is a security vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0) that involves improper access control, classified under CWE-284. The vulnerability is described as a Proxy Driver Spoofing issue, which implies that an attacker with certain privileges could exploit the way Windows handles proxy drivers to spoof or impersonate legitimate drivers. This can lead to unauthorized actions being performed with elevated privileges. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.7, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:F/RL:O/RC:C) reveals that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), and high privileges (PR:H) but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). The exploitability is functional (E:F), remediation level is official (RL:O), and the report confidence is confirmed (RC:C). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches are linked yet. This vulnerability could allow an attacker with administrative privileges to spoof proxy drivers, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of system operations by manipulating driver behavior or bypassing security controls. Given the requirement for high privileges and local access, exploitation is limited to insiders or attackers who have already gained elevated access on the system.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily in environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 is still in use, especially in legacy systems or industrial control environments that have not been updated. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system manipulation, or denial of service. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure could face operational disruptions or data breaches. Since the vulnerability requires high privileges, it may be exploited by malicious insiders or attackers who have already compromised lower-level accounts and escalated privileges. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time. The absence of a patch at the time of publication necessitates urgent risk management and mitigation to prevent exploitation.

Upgrade affected systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a more recent, supported Windows version where this vulnerability is addressed. Implement strict access controls and monitoring to limit administrative privileges and detect privilege escalation attempts. Use application whitelisting and driver signing enforcement to prevent unauthorized or spoofed drivers from loading. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring driver load events and suspicious local privilege escalation activities. Conduct regular audits of installed drivers and system integrity checks to identify anomalies indicative of proxy driver spoofing. Isolate legacy systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 from critical network segments to reduce exposure. Educate IT staff and system administrators about the risks of privilege misuse and the importance of timely patching and system upgrades.