CVE-2024-28898 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability is classified under CWE-121, which pertains to improper handling of buffer boundaries leading to stack-based buffer overflows. The issue specifically affects the Secure Boot security feature, which is designed to ensure that only trusted software is loaded during the system startup process. A buffer overflow in this context could allow an attacker to bypass Secure Boot protections, potentially enabling the execution of unauthorized or malicious code early in the boot process. The vulnerability requires high privileges (PR:H) and user interaction (UI:R) to be exploited, with a high attack complexity (AC:H) and attack vector limited to adjacent networks (AV:A). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.3, indicating a medium severity level. The impact includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability consequences, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, unauthorized data access, and disruption of system operations. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. Given the nature of the vulnerability affecting Secure Boot, exploitation could undermine a critical hardware-rooted security mechanism, making it a significant concern for systems relying on Windows 10 Version 1809, especially in environments where Secure Boot is enforced to prevent firmware or bootloader tampering.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-28898 could be substantial, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on Windows 10 Version 1809 with Secure Boot enabled, such as government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and critical infrastructure operators. A successful exploit could allow attackers to bypass Secure Boot protections, leading to persistent malware infections that are difficult to detect and remove. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and potential regulatory non-compliance under GDPR due to data breaches. The requirement for high privileges and user interaction somewhat limits the ease of exploitation; however, insider threats or targeted phishing campaigns could facilitate this. The vulnerability's impact on system integrity and availability could also affect operational continuity, especially in industrial control systems or enterprise environments where Windows 10 1809 remains in use. Given that Windows 10 Version 1809 is an older release, some organizations may not have fully migrated to newer versions, increasing their exposure risk. Additionally, the absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation before active exploitation occurs.

1. Immediate upgrade or patching: Organizations should prioritize upgrading affected systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a more recent, supported Windows version where this vulnerability is resolved. If patches become available, apply them promptly. 2. Enforce strict privilege management: Since exploitation requires high privileges, implementing the principle of least privilege and restricting administrative access can reduce risk. 3. Enhance user awareness and training: Given the need for user interaction, educating users to recognize and avoid phishing or social engineering attempts can mitigate exploitation vectors. 4. Monitor Secure Boot status and logs: Regularly verify Secure Boot configurations and audit boot logs for anomalies that might indicate tampering attempts. 5. Network segmentation and access controls: Limit network adjacency exposure by segmenting networks and controlling access to systems running Windows 10 1809 to reduce the attack surface. 6. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools: Use advanced security solutions capable of detecting unusual behavior related to boot process tampering or privilege escalation attempts. 7. Inventory and phase out legacy systems: Identify systems still running Windows 10 Version 1809 and plan their upgrade or replacement to reduce the overall exposure footprint.