CVE-2024-37969 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0) characterized as an untrusted pointer dereference (CWE-822) that enables bypassing the Secure Boot security feature. Secure Boot is a critical security mechanism designed to ensure that only trusted software is loaded during the system startup process, protecting against boot-level malware and rootkits. The vulnerability arises when the system dereferences pointers that have not been properly validated, allowing an attacker to manipulate the boot process and bypass Secure Boot protections. According to the CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H), the attack can be performed remotely over a network with low complexity, requires no privileges, but does require user interaction, such as convincing a user to open a malicious file or link. Exploitation can result in full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges during boot, install persistent malware, or disrupt system operations. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's high severity and impact necessitate prompt mitigation. The lack of available patches at the time of publication underscores the importance of alternative protective measures. This vulnerability specifically affects legacy Windows 10 1809 systems, which remain in use in various enterprise and government environments despite being out of mainstream support. The technical root cause is improper pointer validation leading to unsafe memory access during the boot process, a critical phase where security controls are paramount. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2024 and published in July 2024, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-37969 is significant due to the potential for complete system compromise at the boot level. Organizations using Windows 10 Version 1809, especially in sectors such as government, critical infrastructure, finance, and healthcare, face risks including unauthorized access to sensitive data, persistent malware infections that survive reboots, and disruption of essential services. The Secure Boot bypass undermines a foundational security control, increasing the likelihood of advanced persistent threats and sophisticated malware gaining footholds. Given that many European enterprises still operate legacy systems for compatibility or regulatory reasons, the vulnerability widens the attack surface. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be effective vectors, raising the risk profile. Additionally, the lack of patches at disclosure time may delay remediation, prolonging exposure. The impact extends beyond individual organizations to national security and economic stability if critical systems are compromised.

To mitigate CVE-2024-37969, European organizations should prioritize upgrading affected systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a supported and patched Windows version that addresses this vulnerability. If immediate upgrade is not feasible, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Enforce strict user privilege management to limit the ability of users to execute untrusted code or perform unauthorized actions during boot. 2) Disable legacy boot options and ensure Secure Boot is enabled and properly configured in UEFI firmware settings to reduce attack vectors. 3) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring boot processes and detecting anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 4) Conduct targeted user awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that could trigger the vulnerability. 5) Isolate legacy systems from critical network segments and restrict remote access to minimize exposure. 6) Monitor vendor communications closely for any forthcoming patches or mitigations and apply them promptly. 7) Utilize application whitelisting and code integrity policies to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries during startup. These tailored steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on boot-level security hardening and legacy system isolation.