CVE-2024-38017 is a security vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, specifically affecting the Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ) component. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which refers to the exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors. The flaw allows an attacker with limited privileges (local privileges) to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information without requiring user interaction. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the affected system. The attack complexity is low (AC:L), and the attacker requires low privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact is high on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). The vulnerability does not currently have known exploits in the wild. The exposure of sensitive information could lead to further attacks if the leaked data includes credentials, configuration details, or other critical information. The vulnerability affects Windows 10 Version 1809 build 10.0.17763.0, which is an older version of Windows 10, and no patch links are provided in the data, suggesting that remediation might require applying updates or mitigations from Microsoft once available. This vulnerability highlights the risk of information disclosure through MSMQ, a messaging protocol used for communication between applications and services on Windows systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to systems still running Windows 10 Version 1809, which may be found in legacy environments or organizations with slower upgrade cycles. Exposure of sensitive information could lead to unauthorized access to confidential data, potentially compromising privacy and regulatory compliance, especially under GDPR. While the vulnerability does not directly allow system compromise or denial of service, the leaked information could facilitate lateral movement or privilege escalation by attackers with local access. Organizations in sectors with high data sensitivity such as finance, healthcare, and government could face increased risks if sensitive MSMQ data is exposed. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or attackers who gain initial footholds could leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time. Overall, the impact is significant for environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 remains in use and where MSMQ is actively utilized.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading affected systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a supported and patched version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 to eliminate exposure to this vulnerability. In environments where immediate upgrade is not feasible, organizations should restrict local access to affected systems by enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for unauthorized physical or remote local access. Disabling MSMQ on systems where it is not required can reduce the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect suspicious local activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular audits of MSMQ configurations and sensitive data handling practices should be conducted to minimize sensitive information exposure. Applying any security updates or patches released by Microsoft as soon as they become available is critical. Finally, user training to recognize and report suspicious activity can help mitigate insider threats that might exploit this vulnerability.