CVE-2024-37985 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows 11 version 22H2 (build 10.0.22621.0). It is classified under CWE-1037, which relates to processor optimization removal or modification of security-critical code. This vulnerability results in an information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel, potentially allowing an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive kernel memory information. The vulnerability arises due to certain processor optimizations that inadvertently remove or alter security-critical code paths, weakening the intended security guarantees of the kernel. Exploitation requires local access with low attack complexity, no privileges, and no user interaction, but the attack vector is local (AV:L) and requires high attack complexity (AC:H), indicating that it is not trivial to exploit. The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact is high on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity or availability. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2024 and published in September 2024, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.9, reflecting a medium severity level. This vulnerability could be leveraged by an attacker with local access to leak sensitive kernel information, potentially aiding in further privilege escalation or other attacks if combined with additional vulnerabilities.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to systems running Windows 11 version 22H2, especially in environments where local access by unprivileged users or processes is possible. The information disclosure could lead to leakage of sensitive kernel data, which might be used to bypass security controls or facilitate more advanced attacks such as privilege escalation or kernel-level exploits. Organizations with shared workstations, remote desktop services, or multi-user environments could be particularly vulnerable if attackers gain local access through compromised accounts or insider threats. The confidentiality breach could impact sensitive data protection obligations under GDPR, especially if kernel memory contains cryptographic keys, credentials, or other protected information. Although no direct integrity or availability impact is noted, the indirect consequences of leaked kernel information could be severe if chained with other vulnerabilities. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity score and kernel-level nature warrant prompt attention. European organizations in sectors with high security requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, should prioritize assessment and mitigation to prevent potential exploitation.

Given the absence of an official patch at the time of this analysis, European organizations should implement several specific mitigations: 1) Restrict local access to Windows 11 version 22H2 systems by enforcing strict access controls, limiting user accounts with local login privileges, and monitoring for unusual local access attempts. 2) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block suspicious activities that could attempt to exploit kernel information leaks. 3) Harden system configurations by disabling unnecessary services and features that allow local code execution or user interaction on vulnerable systems. 4) Maintain strict network segmentation to isolate critical systems and reduce the risk of lateral movement by attackers who gain local access. 5) Monitor security advisories from Microsoft closely and prepare for rapid deployment of patches once released. 6) Conduct internal audits to identify Windows 11 22H2 deployments and consider temporary rollback or upgrade to unaffected versions if feasible. 7) Educate users and administrators about the risks of local access vulnerabilities and enforce strong endpoint security policies. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on limiting local attack vectors and enhancing detection capabilities specific to kernel-level information disclosure threats.