CVE-2024-38010 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0) that involves 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 startup process. The vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass Secure Boot protections by exploiting inconsistencies in how length parameters are processed, potentially enabling unauthorized code execution at boot time. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.0, reflecting high severity, with an attack vector requiring adjacent network access (AV:A), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but user interaction is necessary (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability poses a significant risk because Secure Boot is a foundational security control that prevents rootkits and bootkits. The lack of available patches at the time of publication emphasizes the need for vigilance. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2024 and published in July 2024, indicating recent discovery. The technical root cause is an improper validation or handling of length parameters during Secure Boot processing, which can be manipulated to bypass security checks. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 remains in use, including legacy systems and certain industrial or governmental deployments.

The impact of CVE-2024-38010 on European organizations is significant due to the potential for attackers to bypass Secure Boot, undermining the trustworthiness of the system startup process. This could lead to the execution of malicious bootloaders or kernel-level malware, resulting in full system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoors that are difficult to detect and remediate. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems are all at high risk. Critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, transportation, healthcare, and government agencies that rely on Windows 10 Version 1809 are particularly vulnerable. The bypass of Secure Boot could facilitate advanced persistent threats (APTs) and sophisticated malware campaigns targeting sensitive European assets. Additionally, the requirement for adjacent network access and user interaction means that internal networks and user endpoints are the primary attack surface, emphasizing the need for internal network security controls. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not diminish the potential severity once exploitation techniques become available.

To mitigate CVE-2024-38010, European organizations should take the following specific actions: 1) Prioritize patch management by applying Microsoft security updates as soon as they are released for Windows 10 Version 1809 systems; 2) If patches are not yet available, restrict network access to vulnerable systems, especially limiting adjacent network exposure; 3) Enforce strict endpoint security policies including disabling unnecessary user interactions that could trigger exploitation; 4) Implement network segmentation to isolate legacy Windows 10 systems from critical infrastructure; 5) Deploy advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring boot-level integrity and detecting anomalous bootloader activity; 6) Conduct regular security audits and firmware integrity checks to ensure Secure Boot configurations have not been tampered with; 7) Educate users about the risks of interacting with suspicious network prompts or content that could trigger exploitation; 8) Consider upgrading affected systems to newer Windows versions with improved security features and ongoing support; 9) Maintain up-to-date inventory of systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 to ensure comprehensive coverage; 10) Collaborate with national cybersecurity centers for threat intelligence sharing and incident response guidance.