CVE-2024-30051 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) Core Library of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability is classified under CWE-122, indicating that improper handling of memory buffers on the heap can lead to memory corruption. Specifically, the flaw exists in the DWM Core Library, a critical component responsible for rendering the graphical user interface and managing window composition. Exploiting this vulnerability allows an attacker with limited privileges (local privileges) to elevate their privileges on the affected system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with the vector indicating that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), and privileges at a low level (PR:L), but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects resources within the same security scope. The exploitability is functional (E:F), and the remediation level is official (RL:O) with confirmed report confidence (RC:C). No known exploits are currently observed in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by corrupting heap memory, potentially leading to system compromise or crash. Given the nature of the DWM Core Library, successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security restrictions and gain elevated system privileges, which could be leveraged for further attacks or persistence on the system.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those still operating legacy systems or environments running Windows 10 Version 1809, which is an older but still in-use version in some enterprises. The ability to elevate privileges locally means that any user or malware with limited access could escalate their rights, potentially leading to full system compromise. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and lateral movement within corporate networks. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly at risk due to the sensitive nature of their data and the potential impact of service disruption. Additionally, organizations with strict compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR) could face regulatory consequences if this vulnerability leads to data breaches. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as attackers may develop exploits rapidly once details are public. The absence of a patch at the time of publication further increases exposure, especially for organizations unable to upgrade to newer Windows versions promptly.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on restricting local access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809, limiting the number of users with local login rights to trusted personnel only. 2. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation attempts targeting the DWM Core Library. 3. Use least privilege principles rigorously to minimize the impact of potential privilege escalation. 4. Where possible, upgrade affected systems to a supported and patched version of Windows 10 or later, as Windows 10 Version 1809 is out of mainstream support and more vulnerable to exploitation. 5. Implement network segmentation to isolate legacy systems and reduce the risk of lateral movement if a system is compromised. 6. Monitor security advisories from Microsoft closely for the release of official patches and apply them promptly. 7. Conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests focusing on privilege escalation vectors to identify and remediate similar weaknesses proactively. 8. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and enforce strict controls on software installation and execution.