CVE-2024-37985 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-1037, which relates to processor optimization removal or modification of security-critical code. This flaw exists in Microsoft Windows 11 version 22H2 (build 10.0.22621.0) and involves the Windows kernel. Specifically, certain processor optimizations cause the removal or alteration of security-critical code paths, leading to an information disclosure vulnerability. This means that an attacker with local access could exploit this flaw to read sensitive kernel memory contents that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction, but the attack complexity is high, indicating that exploitation requires detailed knowledge and specific conditions. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.9, reflecting a medium severity level, with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and a scope change (S:C). The impact is primarily on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity or availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, but the vulnerability has been officially published and tracked by Microsoft and CISA. This vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks to leak sensitive kernel data, potentially aiding privilege escalation or further exploitation.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-37985 is the potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive kernel memory, which could include cryptographic keys, credentials, or other protected information. This compromises confidentiality and could facilitate subsequent attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within networks. Organizations in sectors with high security requirements—such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure—are particularly at risk. Since the vulnerability requires local access and has a high attack complexity, the threat is more relevant in environments where attackers may already have some foothold or insider access. The absence of integrity or availability impact limits the immediate operational disruption but does not diminish the risk of sensitive data exposure. European enterprises using Windows 11 22H2 without mitigations could face increased risk of data breaches and compliance issues under GDPR if sensitive personal data is exposed.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply patches promptly once released for Windows 11 version 22H2. 2. Restrict local access to systems running the affected OS version by enforcing strict physical security and endpoint access controls. 3. Implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous local activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. 4. Use application whitelisting and least privilege principles to limit the ability of untrusted users or processes to execute code locally. 5. Conduct regular audits of user accounts and local access permissions to minimize the attack surface. 6. Employ kernel-mode integrity checking tools and memory protection features where possible to detect unauthorized memory reads. 7. Educate IT staff about the vulnerability and the importance of minimizing local access to critical systems. 8. Consider network segmentation to isolate sensitive systems and reduce the risk of lateral movement if local compromise occurs.