CVE-2024-37975 is an integer underflow vulnerability classified under CWE-191 that affects the Secure Boot security feature in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). Secure Boot is a UEFI firmware feature that ensures only trusted software is loaded during the system boot process, protecting against rootkits and bootkits. The vulnerability arises from an integer underflow condition, which can cause wraparound behavior in internal calculations related to Secure Boot validation logic. This flaw can be exploited remotely (attack vector: adjacent network) without requiring privileges or authentication, although user interaction is necessary, possibly through crafted network packets or malicious media. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to bypass Secure Boot protections, potentially enabling unauthorized code execution early in the boot process, compromising system integrity, confidentiality, and availability. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.0 (high severity), reflecting the critical impact on system security and the relatively low complexity of exploitation. No patches or known exploits are currently available, but the vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and assigned a CVE identifier. The issue is particularly relevant for environments still running Windows 10 Version 1809, which is an older release with limited support, emphasizing the need for timely remediation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-37975 is significant due to the potential for Secure Boot bypass, which undermines the foundational trust model of system startup security. This can lead to persistent malware infections, rootkits, or bootkits that evade detection by traditional security tools, resulting in data breaches, system downtime, and loss of integrity in critical infrastructure. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on legacy Windows 10 systems are particularly vulnerable. The vulnerability's ability to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability simultaneously increases the risk profile. Additionally, the requirement for only user interaction and no privileges lowers the barrier for attackers, potentially increasing the attack surface. Given the widespread use of Windows 10 in European enterprises and public sector organizations, the threat could have broad implications if exploited.

1. Upgrade affected systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a supported and fully patched Windows version, such as Windows 10 Version 22H2 or Windows 11, to eliminate the vulnerability. 2. In the absence of an official patch, disable legacy or vulnerable Secure Boot configurations where feasible, or enforce stricter Secure Boot policies to reduce attack vectors. 3. Implement network segmentation and strict access controls to limit exposure to adjacent network attacks, especially for systems that must remain on Windows 10 Version 1809. 4. Conduct thorough audits of Secure Boot settings and firmware versions to ensure compliance with security best practices. 5. Monitor system logs and security telemetry for anomalies related to boot process integrity and unauthorized code execution attempts. 6. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted media or network resources that could trigger exploitation. 7. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises involving boot-level malware.