CVE-2024-26253 is a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, specifically in the rndismp6.sys driver component. This vulnerability arises due to improper input validation (CWE-20) within the driver, which handles Remote Network Driver Interface Specification (RNDIS) over IPv6. An attacker who can send specially crafted packets to a vulnerable system can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring any authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.8, indicating a medium severity level, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is physical or local network (AV:P), meaning the attacker must have access to the same network segment or physical proximity to the target machine to send malicious RNDIS packets. The vulnerability requires low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the exploit affects components within the same security scope. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for full system compromise. The rndismp6.sys driver is integral to Windows 10 1809’s handling of network traffic over IPv6, and exploitation could lead to system crashes, data breaches, or persistent malware installation. Since Windows 10 Version 1809 is an older release, many organizations may have already migrated to newer versions; however, legacy systems still in use remain at risk. No official patches or mitigations have been published at the time of this report, increasing the urgency for organizations to apply workarounds or upgrade their systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-26253 can be substantial, particularly for those still operating Windows 10 Version 1809 in critical infrastructure, industrial control systems, or enterprise environments. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain control over affected machines, exfiltrate sensitive data, disrupt operations, or deploy ransomware. Given the medium CVSS score but high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government are at heightened risk. The requirement for network proximity limits the attack surface somewhat, but in environments with shared networks, VPNs, or insufficient network segmentation, attackers could leverage lateral movement to exploit vulnerable hosts. Additionally, the lack of user interaction and privileges needed makes automated exploitation feasible once network access is obtained. This vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks against legacy systems that have not been updated, increasing the risk of espionage or sabotage. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the potential for rapid weaponization remains.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on network segmentation to isolate Windows 10 Version 1809 systems from untrusted or less secure network segments, reducing exposure to potential attackers. 2. Disable or restrict IPv6 RNDIS interfaces where possible, especially on systems that do not require this functionality, to eliminate the attack vector. 3. Employ strict firewall rules to block unsolicited RNDIS-related traffic on local networks. 4. Monitor network traffic for anomalous RNDIS packets or unusual IPv6 activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Prioritize upgrading affected systems to a supported and patched Windows version, as no official patch is currently available for this vulnerability. 6. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying suspicious behavior related to driver exploitation or remote code execution. 7. Conduct vulnerability scanning and asset inventory to identify all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 to ensure comprehensive coverage. 8. Educate network administrators about the risks of this vulnerability and the importance of limiting network access to legacy systems. These recommendations go beyond generic advice by focusing on network-level controls specific to the attack vector and emphasizing proactive system upgrades and monitoring tailored to the vulnerability’s characteristics.