CVE-2024-37989: CWE-130: Improper Handling of Length Parameter Inconsistency in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-37989 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 security feature, which is designed to ensure that only trusted software is loaded during the system boot process. The vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass Secure Boot protections, undermining the integrity and trustworthiness of the boot sequence. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.0 (high), with an attack vector of adjacent network (AV:A), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is high on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). This means an attacker can remotely exploit the vulnerability with limited prerequisites, potentially executing arbitrary code or loading malicious boot components that evade Secure Boot checks. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability represents a critical risk due to the foundational role of Secure Boot in preventing persistent and stealthy malware infections. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate attention to mitigation strategies.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-37989 is significant, especially for those relying on Windows 10 Version 1809 in environments where Secure Boot is a critical security control. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass Secure Boot, enabling the execution of unauthorized or malicious code early in the boot process. This could lead to persistent malware infections, data breaches, and disruption of critical services. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to the high value of their data and the potential for operational disruption. Additionally, organizations with legacy systems or delayed patch management practices face increased risk. The vulnerability could facilitate advanced persistent threats (APTs) and ransomware attacks that leverage Secure Boot bypass to maintain persistence and evade detection.
Mitigation Recommendations
Given the absence of an official patch at the time of analysis, European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Restrict network access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809, especially limiting exposure to adjacent network vectors such as local network segments or VPNs. 2) Enforce strict user interaction policies, including user education to prevent inadvertent execution of malicious payloads that could trigger exploitation. 3) Monitor boot integrity logs and Secure Boot status using Windows Event Logs and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools to detect anomalies indicative of Secure Boot bypass attempts. 4) Where feasible, upgrade affected systems to a supported and patched Windows version to eliminate exposure. 5) Implement application whitelisting and hardware-based security features such as TPM and measured boot to provide layered defense. 6) Conduct regular audits of firmware and bootloader integrity to detect unauthorized modifications. 7) Collaborate with IT asset management to identify and prioritize remediation of systems running the vulnerable OS version.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, Sweden, Finland
CVE-2024-37989: CWE-130: Improper Handling of Length Parameter Inconsistency in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809
Description
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-37989 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 security feature, which is designed to ensure that only trusted software is loaded during the system boot process. The vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass Secure Boot protections, undermining the integrity and trustworthiness of the boot sequence. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.0 (high), with an attack vector of adjacent network (AV:A), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is high on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). This means an attacker can remotely exploit the vulnerability with limited prerequisites, potentially executing arbitrary code or loading malicious boot components that evade Secure Boot checks. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability represents a critical risk due to the foundational role of Secure Boot in preventing persistent and stealthy malware infections. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate attention to mitigation strategies.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-37989 is significant, especially for those relying on Windows 10 Version 1809 in environments where Secure Boot is a critical security control. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass Secure Boot, enabling the execution of unauthorized or malicious code early in the boot process. This could lead to persistent malware infections, data breaches, and disruption of critical services. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to the high value of their data and the potential for operational disruption. Additionally, organizations with legacy systems or delayed patch management practices face increased risk. The vulnerability could facilitate advanced persistent threats (APTs) and ransomware attacks that leverage Secure Boot bypass to maintain persistence and evade detection.
Mitigation Recommendations
Given the absence of an official patch at the time of analysis, European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Restrict network access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809, especially limiting exposure to adjacent network vectors such as local network segments or VPNs. 2) Enforce strict user interaction policies, including user education to prevent inadvertent execution of malicious payloads that could trigger exploitation. 3) Monitor boot integrity logs and Secure Boot status using Windows Event Logs and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools to detect anomalies indicative of Secure Boot bypass attempts. 4) Where feasible, upgrade affected systems to a supported and patched Windows version to eliminate exposure. 5) Implement application whitelisting and hardware-based security features such as TPM and measured boot to provide layered defense. 6) Conduct regular audits of firmware and bootloader integrity to detect unauthorized modifications. 7) Collaborate with IT asset management to identify and prioritize remediation of systems running the vulnerable OS version.
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2024-06-10T21:22:19.231Z
- Cisa Enriched
- true
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 682d981dc4522896dcbdb734
Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:08:45 AM
Last enriched: 10/14/2025, 11:07:17 PM
Last updated: 10/16/2025, 12:47:51 PM
Views: 21
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