CVE-2024-37978 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-121, affecting the Secure Boot feature in Microsoft Windows 11 version 22H2 (build 10.0.22621.0). 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. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of input data within the Secure Boot component, allowing an attacker to overflow a stack buffer. The overflow can lead to arbitrary code execution with the potential to bypass Secure Boot protections, undermining the system's trust chain. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates the attack can be performed remotely over a network (AV:A), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), but 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’s characteristics make it a serious threat, especially in environments where Secure Boot is relied upon to maintain system integrity. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2024 and published in July 2024, with no patches currently linked, indicating that mitigation options may be limited until official updates are released.

The vulnerability compromises the Secure Boot mechanism, which is foundational for system integrity and trust in Windows 11 environments. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code early in the boot process, bypass security controls, and potentially install persistent malware that evades detection by traditional security tools. For European organizations, this could lead to data breaches, system takeovers, and disruption of critical services. Sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that rely heavily on Windows 11 22H2 and Secure Boot for endpoint security are particularly at risk. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that sensitive data could be exposed or altered, and systems could be rendered inoperable. The requirement for user interaction somewhat limits mass exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks, especially spear-phishing or social engineering campaigns. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the vulnerability’s severity demands urgent attention.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches immediately once released to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are available, restrict network access to systems running Windows 11 version 22H2, especially limiting exposure to untrusted networks. 3. Employ network segmentation to isolate critical systems that rely on Secure Boot. 4. Enhance endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities to monitor for anomalous behavior related to boot processes and Secure Boot components. 5. Educate users to recognize and avoid social engineering or phishing attempts that could trigger the required user interaction for exploitation. 6. Consider deploying application control and integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized changes to boot configurations. 7. Maintain regular backups and test recovery procedures to minimize impact in case of successful exploitation. 8. Use hardware-based security features such as TPM and firmware protections to complement Secure Boot and reduce attack surface.