CVE-2024-30016 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). It is classified as an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125) within the Windows Cryptographic Services component. This vulnerability allows an attacker with limited privileges (requires local access and low privileges) to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The flaw does not require user interaction and can lead to information disclosure, specifically exposing sensitive cryptographic information that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability does not impact system integrity or availability but compromises confidentiality by potentially leaking sensitive data from memory. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity level, with an attack vector limited to local access (AV:L), low complexity (AC:L), and requiring privileges (PR:L). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in March 2024 and published in May 2024, indicating it is a recent discovery. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is primarily a concern for environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 is still in use, especially in scenarios where cryptographic services handle sensitive data that could be exposed through this flaw.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-30016 is primarily related to confidentiality breaches. Organizations relying on Windows 10 Version 1809, particularly in sectors handling sensitive personal data, financial information, or intellectual property, could face risks of data leakage. This is especially relevant for industries such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure where cryptographic services are heavily used for data protection and secure communications. Although the vulnerability does not allow for privilege escalation or denial of service, the exposure of cryptographic material could facilitate further attacks, such as cryptanalysis or unauthorized decryption of protected data. The requirement for local access and privileges limits the attack surface, but insider threats or compromised user accounts could exploit this vulnerability. Since Windows 10 Version 1809 is an older release, organizations that have not upgraded or patched may be more vulnerable. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk, but the potential for targeted attacks remains, especially in high-value environments.

1. Upgrade to a newer, supported version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 where this vulnerability is addressed or mitigated. 2. Apply any forthcoming security patches from Microsoft as soon as they become available; monitor official Microsoft security advisories closely. 3. Restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 by enforcing strict access controls and limiting administrative privileges to trusted personnel only. 4. Implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious local activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Conduct regular audits of user accounts and privilege assignments to minimize the risk of insider threats exploiting this vulnerability. 6. For environments where upgrading is not immediately feasible, consider isolating affected systems from sensitive networks and data to reduce exposure. 7. Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit using additional layers of security beyond Windows Cryptographic Services to mitigate potential data leakage.