CVE-2024-37988 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0) that stems from improper handling of length parameter inconsistencies, classified under CWE-130. This flaw specifically impacts the Secure Boot feature, a critical security mechanism designed to ensure that only trusted software is loaded during the system boot process. The vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass Secure Boot protections by exploiting inconsistencies in length parameters, potentially enabling unauthorized code execution at boot time. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.0 reflects a high severity, with attack vector classified as adjacent network (AV:A), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), and the impact is high on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the critical nature of Secure Boot in preventing rootkits and bootkits. The vulnerability was reserved on June 10, 2024, and published on July 9, 2024. No official patches have been released yet, increasing the urgency for mitigation. The flaw affects only Windows 10 Version 1809, which is an older release but still in use in various environments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code during system startup, undermining system trust and potentially leading to persistent compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-37988 is substantial, especially for those relying on Windows 10 Version 1809 in critical infrastructure, government, finance, and healthcare sectors. Bypassing Secure Boot compromises the trusted boot chain, allowing attackers to load malicious bootloaders or rootkits that evade traditional security controls. This can lead to full system compromise, data breaches, and disruption of services. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means sensitive data could be exposed or altered, and systems could be rendered inoperable. Given the requirement for user interaction, phishing or social engineering could be used to trigger exploitation. The lack of patches increases exposure time, and organizations with legacy systems or delayed update cycles are particularly vulnerable. The threat also complicates compliance with European cybersecurity regulations such as NIS2 and GDPR, as Secure Boot is a key defense mechanism for system integrity.

Since no patches are currently available, European organizations should implement layered mitigations: 1) Restrict user interaction with untrusted removable media and network shares to reduce exploitation vectors. 2) Enforce strict device control policies using endpoint management tools to prevent unauthorized boot media usage. 3) Deploy application whitelisting and advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous boot-time activities. 4) Prioritize upgrading affected systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to supported, patched Windows versions that do not have this vulnerability. 5) Educate users about phishing and social engineering risks to minimize inadvertent triggering of the vulnerability. 6) Monitor system logs and Secure Boot status for signs of tampering. 7) Implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement if compromise occurs. 8) Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing boot-level compromises. These measures go beyond generic patching advice and focus on reducing attack surface and detection capabilities until official patches are released.