CVE-2024-30078 is a remote code execution vulnerability identified in the Windows Wi-Fi driver component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The root cause is improper input validation (CWE-20), which allows an attacker to send specially crafted Wi-Fi packets to a vulnerable system. Because the attack vector is over the network (AV:A), specifically Wi-Fi, an attacker within wireless range can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, as successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution with system-level privileges, potentially allowing full system compromise. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8 (high severity), reflecting low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component and system. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability is critical due to the ease of exploitation and potential impact. The vulnerability was reserved in March 2024 and published in June 2024. No official patches are linked yet, indicating organizations may need to rely on workarounds or upgrade paths. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 remains in use, especially in legacy or industrial systems that have not been updated to newer Windows versions. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain persistent access or disrupt operations remotely over Wi-Fi networks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-30078 is significant. Many enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure operators still run Windows 10 Version 1809 due to long-term support agreements or legacy application compatibility. Exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data breaches, ransomware deployment, or disruption of critical services. The wireless attack vector means attackers only need proximity, lowering the barrier for exploitation in office environments, public spaces, or industrial sites. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers could exfiltrate sensitive data; integrity is compromised through unauthorized code execution; availability could be disrupted by system crashes or ransomware. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score demands urgent attention. The threat is amplified in sectors with high Wi-Fi usage and sensitive data, such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government. Failure to mitigate could result in regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised.

1. Prioritize upgrading affected systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a supported and patched Windows version, such as Windows 10 21H2 or later, or Windows 11. 2. Until patches are available, disable Wi-Fi adapters on critical systems where wireless connectivity is not essential to reduce exposure. 3. Implement network segmentation and restrict Wi-Fi access to trusted devices only, using strong authentication and encryption protocols (WPA3 preferred). 4. Employ wireless intrusion detection/prevention systems (WIDS/WIPS) to monitor and block suspicious Wi-Fi traffic patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Enforce strict endpoint security controls, including application whitelisting and behavior monitoring, to detect anomalous code execution. 6. Educate users about the risks of connecting to untrusted Wi-Fi networks and encourage use of VPNs for sensitive communications. 7. Monitor security advisories from Microsoft for official patches or workarounds and apply them promptly. 8. Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focusing on wireless attack vectors to identify residual risks.