CVE-2024-37970 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-121, affecting Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability specifically targets the Secure Boot security feature, allowing an attacker to bypass its protections. Secure Boot is designed to ensure that only trusted software is loaded during the system startup process, preventing unauthorized code execution at boot time. The buffer overflow occurs when the system improperly handles input data, leading to memory corruption on the stack. This can enable an attacker to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially compromising the entire system. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.0 reflects a high severity, with an attack vector over the network (AV:A), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability is critical due to the potential for full system compromise and Secure Boot bypass. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2024 and published in July 2024, indicating recent discovery. No official patches are linked yet, so mitigation may rely on workarounds or upgrading to newer Windows versions. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for legacy systems still running Windows 10 1809, which is out of mainstream support, increasing the risk of exploitation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant threat, especially for those relying on Windows 10 Version 1809 in critical infrastructure, government, finance, and healthcare sectors. Exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to bypass Secure Boot protections, execute arbitrary code, and potentially deploy persistent malware or ransomware. This undermines system integrity and availability, risking data breaches, operational disruption, and loss of trust. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering could be used to trigger the exploit remotely over a network. Organizations with legacy systems or delayed patch management are particularly vulnerable. The impact extends to supply chain security, as compromised systems could be used as footholds for broader attacks. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, the vulnerability could facilitate espionage, sabotage, or financial theft. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as exploit development may follow disclosure.

1. Upgrade affected systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a supported and patched Windows version, such as Windows 10 21H2 or Windows 11, to receive security updates addressing this vulnerability. 2. If upgrading is not immediately possible, implement strict network segmentation and firewall rules to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. 3. Enforce multi-factor authentication and user training to reduce the risk of successful social engineering or phishing attacks that could trigger user interaction required for exploitation. 4. Harden Secure Boot configurations by verifying firmware integrity and disabling legacy boot options that could be exploited. 5. Monitor network traffic and system logs for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts, including unexpected Secure Boot failures or memory corruption events. 6. Apply any out-of-band patches or mitigations released by Microsoft promptly once available. 7. Conduct vulnerability scanning and asset inventory to identify all systems running Windows 10 1809 and prioritize remediation. 8. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting exploitation behaviors related to buffer overflows and privilege escalation. 9. Collaborate with suppliers and partners to ensure their systems are not vulnerable to avoid supply chain risks. 10. Maintain regular backups and incident response plans to recover quickly in case of compromise.