CVE-2024-38043 is a vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, specifically related to improper input validation within PowerShell, classified under CWE-20. This flaw allows an attacker with limited privileges (local access with low privileges) to escalate their privileges to a higher level without requiring user interaction, thereby compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8, indicating high severity. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits are known at this time, the vulnerability presents a significant risk if exploited, especially in environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 remains operational. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input data in PowerShell components, allowing crafted inputs to bypass security controls and elevate privileges. This can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated rights, potentially leading to full system compromise. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates interim mitigations such as restricting local access, monitoring PowerShell usage, and applying principle of least privilege. Organizations should prepare to deploy patches once released and review their endpoint security posture to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a serious threat, particularly to those still running Windows 10 Version 1809 in production environments. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, enabling attackers to execute malicious code with elevated rights, potentially leading to data breaches, disruption of critical services, or full system compromise. Sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure are at heightened risk due to the sensitivity and strategic importance of their data and operations. The local attack vector means that attackers need some form of initial access, which could be achieved through phishing, insider threats, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. Once local access is obtained, this vulnerability can be leveraged to deepen the attack and evade detection. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability could result in significant operational and reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR, and financial losses. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the risk remains elevated due to the vulnerability’s nature and severity.

1. Apply official Microsoft security patches immediately once they become available for Windows 10 Version 1809 to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are deployed, restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 1809 by enforcing strict access controls and limiting user privileges. 3. Implement application whitelisting and restrict PowerShell execution policies to reduce the risk of malicious script execution. 4. Monitor PowerShell logs and system event logs for unusual or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts using advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools. 5. Conduct regular audits of user privileges and remove unnecessary administrative rights to minimize the attack surface. 6. Educate users about the risks of phishing and social engineering to prevent initial local access by attackers. 7. Consider upgrading affected systems to a more recent, supported Windows version to benefit from improved security features and ongoing updates. 8. Employ network segmentation to isolate critical systems and limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 9. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for local and remote access to reduce the risk of credential abuse. 10. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to ensure rapid recovery if exploitation occurs.