CVE-2024-29061 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) affecting Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, specifically build 10.0.17763.0. This vulnerability relates to the Secure Boot security feature, which is designed to ensure that only trusted software is loaded during the system boot process. The flaw allows an attacker with limited privileges (local access with low complexity) to bypass Secure Boot protections by exploiting a buffer overflow condition on the stack. This overflow can lead to arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require local privileges, which means an attacker must have some level of access to the system to exploit it. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in mid-March 2024 and published in early April 2024. Given the critical role of Secure Boot in protecting the boot process from tampering, exploitation could allow attackers to load malicious bootloaders or kernel-level malware, effectively bypassing many security controls and persisting through system reboots.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises and government entities that rely on Windows 10 Version 1809 in their infrastructure. Exploitation could lead to full system compromise, enabling attackers to deploy persistent malware, steal sensitive data, or disrupt critical services. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy, and public administration, which often use legacy Windows systems due to compatibility requirements, are particularly vulnerable. The bypass of Secure Boot undermines the trusted computing base, increasing the risk of advanced persistent threats (APTs) and ransomware attacks. Additionally, organizations with strict compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, NIS Directive) could face regulatory consequences if this vulnerability leads to data breaches or service outages. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the presence of a local privilege requirement means insider threats or attackers who gain initial footholds could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and evade detection.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on upgrading affected systems to a supported and patched Windows version beyond 1809, as Microsoft typically addresses such vulnerabilities in cumulative updates. 2. Until patches are available, organizations should restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 by enforcing strict access controls, including limiting administrative privileges and using endpoint protection solutions that monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts. 3. Enable and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all local and remote access to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. 4. Employ application whitelisting and advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Regularly audit and monitor Secure Boot settings via firmware interfaces to ensure they have not been tampered with. 6. For critical systems that cannot be immediately upgraded, consider isolating them within segmented network zones with limited connectivity to reduce attack surface. 7. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises. 8. Stay informed on Microsoft advisories for the release of official patches and apply them promptly once available.