CVE-2024-29991 is a medium-severity security vulnerability identified in Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) version 1.0.0. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which pertains to improper control of code generation, commonly known as code injection. This type of vulnerability allows an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected application. Specifically, this flaw represents a security feature bypass in Microsoft Edge, potentially allowing malicious actors to circumvent built-in security mechanisms designed to prevent unauthorized code execution. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.0, indicating a moderate risk level. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requiring no privileges (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), and the attack complexity is high (AC:H). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is low (C:L/I:L/A:L), meaning that while exploitation could lead to some unauthorized actions, the overall damage is limited. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been published yet. The vulnerability affects the initial release version 1.0.0 of Microsoft Edge Chromium-based browser, which is widely used across many organizations and individuals. The lack of authentication requirement and the need for user interaction suggest that exploitation would likely involve social engineering or tricking users into visiting malicious web content or clicking crafted links. The security feature bypass could enable attackers to execute code that might otherwise be blocked, potentially leading to further exploitation or persistence within a compromised system.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily due to the widespread use of Microsoft Edge as a default or preferred browser in enterprise and public sectors. The ability to bypass security features and inject code could lead to targeted attacks such as drive-by downloads, phishing campaigns, or exploitation chains that leverage this vulnerability as an initial foothold. Although the direct impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is rated low, successful exploitation could facilitate lateral movement or data exfiltration if combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. Sectors with high reliance on web applications, such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, could face increased risk if attackers exploit this vulnerability to bypass browser security controls. The requirement for user interaction reduces the likelihood of widespread automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users may be less trained in cybersecurity awareness. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate threat but organizations should remain vigilant given the potential for future exploit development. Additionally, the lack of an available patch means that mitigation relies on interim protective measures until an official fix is released.

1. Implement strict web content filtering and block access to known malicious or suspicious websites to reduce the risk of users encountering exploit vectors. 2. Enhance user awareness training focusing on phishing and social engineering tactics, emphasizing caution when clicking links or opening attachments from untrusted sources. 3. Employ application control policies to restrict execution of unauthorized code or scripts within the browser context. 4. Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions with behavioral analytics to detect anomalous activities indicative of code injection or exploitation attempts. 5. Configure Microsoft Edge security settings to the highest practical level, including enabling features like SmartScreen, sandboxing, and disabling unnecessary extensions or plugins. 6. Monitor vendor advisories closely and prepare for rapid deployment of patches once Microsoft releases an update addressing this vulnerability. 7. Consider deploying network-level protections such as intrusion prevention systems (IPS) tuned to detect exploitation attempts related to code injection in browsers. 8. For critical environments, consider temporary use of alternative browsers with no known vulnerabilities of this type until a patch is available.