CVE-2024-30079 is a buffer over-read vulnerability classified under CWE-126 found in the Windows Remote Access Connection Manager component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability arises due to improper validation of input data leading to reading beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. An attacker with low privileges and local access can exploit this flaw to elevate their privileges on the affected system. The attack vector requires local access (AV:L), low complexity (AC:L), and low privileges (PR:L), with no user interaction (UI:N) needed, making it a potent threat in environments where attackers can gain initial foothold. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges or cause denial of service. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability's characteristics suggest it could be weaponized in targeted attacks. The vulnerability was reserved in March 2024 and published in July 2024, with no patches currently linked, indicating organizations must be vigilant. The Remote Access Connection Manager is critical for managing VPN and dial-up connections, so exploitation could disrupt remote connectivity or compromise sensitive network access credentials.

For European organizations, especially those in sectors like finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Many organizations still operate legacy Windows 10 1809 systems due to compatibility or operational constraints. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, enabling attackers to gain administrative control, access sensitive data, or disrupt services. This is particularly concerning for organizations relying on remote access technologies for teleworking or inter-office connectivity. The compromise of such systems could facilitate lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, or deployment of ransomware. Additionally, the lack of user interaction requirement increases the risk of stealthy exploitation. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high CVSS score underscores the urgency. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to regulatory compliance issues under GDPR if personal data confidentiality is breached.

1. Prioritize upgrading or patching Windows 10 systems to versions beyond 1809 where this vulnerability is resolved once patches are released by Microsoft. 2. Until patches are available, restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 1809 by enforcing strict physical and logical access controls. 3. Disable or limit the use of Remote Access Connection Manager services if not essential, reducing the attack surface. 4. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts. 5. Monitor system logs and network activity for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, especially on systems with remote access capabilities. 6. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of timely updates. 7. Consider network segmentation to isolate legacy systems and limit potential lateral movement by attackers exploiting this vulnerability. 8. Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote access to reduce the risk of initial foothold by attackers.