CVE-2024-30018 is a high-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-59, which involves improper link resolution before file access, commonly known as 'link following'. This flaw exists in the Windows Kernel, where the system improperly resolves symbolic links or junction points before accessing files. An attacker with limited privileges (low-level local access) can exploit this vulnerability to escalate their privileges to a higher level, potentially SYSTEM or administrative privileges, by tricking the kernel into following a malicious link to a sensitive file or resource. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity with the following vector: Attack Vector: Local (L), Attack Complexity: Low (L), Privileges Required: Low (L), User Interaction: None (N), Scope: Unchanged (U), and impacts on Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability are all High (H). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. However, the vulnerability's nature suggests that once exploited, it could allow attackers to gain full control over the affected system, bypassing security restrictions and potentially enabling further malicious activities such as installing malware, stealing sensitive data, or disrupting system operations. Since the vulnerability requires local access and low privileges, it is most relevant in environments where untrusted users have some level of access to Windows 10 Version 1809 systems, such as shared workstations or multi-user environments. The improper link resolution issue highlights the importance of secure handling of symbolic links and file system objects within the kernel to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially in sectors where Windows 10 Version 1809 remains in use, such as legacy systems in government, healthcare, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to attackers gaining administrative control over affected machines, enabling lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, or disruption of services. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems could be severely compromised. Given the high impact on all three security pillars and the lack of user interaction required, attackers could automate exploitation in environments where local access is possible, such as through compromised user accounts or insider threats. Organizations relying on Windows 10 Version 1809 should be particularly vigilant, as this version is older and may not receive mainstream support, increasing exposure. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks against European entities with sensitive data or critical operations, amplifying the potential damage.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize upgrading affected systems to a supported and patched version of Windows 10 or later. If immediate upgrading is not feasible, organizations should implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and restrict the creation or manipulation of symbolic links and junction points by unprivileged users. Employing application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can help detect suspicious activities related to link manipulation or privilege escalation attempts. Network segmentation should be enforced to contain potential compromises. Regularly auditing and monitoring system logs for unusual file system operations or privilege escalations can provide early warning signs. Additionally, organizations should stay informed about official patches or mitigations released by Microsoft and apply them promptly once available. User training to recognize and report suspicious local activities can further reduce risk. Finally, disabling or restricting unnecessary local accounts and services that could be leveraged to gain local access will reduce the attack surface.