CVE-2024-30088 is a kernel-level elevation of privilege vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The root cause is a Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition (CWE-367), where the system improperly handles the timing between checking a condition and using the result, allowing an attacker to exploit this timing window. Specifically, the vulnerability exists in the Windows kernel, which manages core system operations and security. An attacker with low-level privileges and local access can trigger this race condition to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level, effectively gaining full control over the affected machine. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.0 (high), reflecting the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, but with a higher attack complexity and requirement for local privileges. No user interaction is needed, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability was reserved in March 2024 and published in June 2024, with no patch links currently available, indicating that remediation is pending. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where legacy Windows 10 systems remain operational, as attackers could leverage this flaw to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-30088 can be significant, especially in sectors relying on legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and government agencies. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges, enabling them to install malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, disrupt services, or move laterally within networks. This can lead to severe confidentiality breaches, data integrity violations, and availability disruptions. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as insider threats or attackers who gain initial footholds through other means could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure increases exposure, necessitating immediate compensating controls. Organizations with compliance obligations under GDPR must consider the potential data breach implications and respond accordingly. The vulnerability also poses risks to critical infrastructure and industrial control systems that may still operate on affected Windows versions, potentially impacting national security and public safety in Europe.

1. Apply official security patches from Microsoft as soon as they become available to address the vulnerability directly. 2. Until patches are released, restrict local user privileges by enforcing the principle of least privilege and removing unnecessary administrative rights. 3. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 to detect and prevent unauthorized local access. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify suspicious behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 5. Use application whitelisting and kernel-mode code signing policies to limit execution of unauthorized code. 6. Conduct regular audits of user accounts and local access permissions to minimize the attack surface. 7. Educate users about the risks of executing untrusted code and the importance of reporting suspicious activity. 8. Consider upgrading affected systems to supported Windows versions with ongoing security updates to reduce exposure to legacy vulnerabilities.