CVE-2024-38056 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in the Microsoft Windows Codecs Library specifically affecting Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The vulnerability is classified as an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125), which occurs when the software reads data outside the boundaries of allocated memory. This flaw can lead to information disclosure, as the out-of-bounds read may allow an attacker to access sensitive memory contents that should not be accessible. The vulnerability requires low privileges (PR:L) and no user interaction (UI:N) to be exploited, but the attacker must have local access to the system (AV:L). The scope of the vulnerability is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component without affecting other system components. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity level primarily due to the high confidentiality impact (C:H) but no impact on integrity or availability (I:N/A:N). There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2024 and published in July 2024. The Windows Codecs Library is responsible for processing image and video codecs, so this vulnerability could be triggered by specially crafted media files processed by the system. An attacker with local access could exploit this flaw to read sensitive information from memory, potentially leaking data such as credentials or other private information stored in memory. However, exploitation requires local access and does not allow code execution or system compromise directly.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to systems still running the outdated Windows 10 Version 1809, which is beyond mainstream support and may still be in use in some legacy environments. The information disclosure could lead to leakage of sensitive data, including credentials or proprietary information, which could facilitate further attacks such as lateral movement or privilege escalation. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) could face compliance risks if sensitive personal or corporate data is exposed. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the presence of a medium-severity vulnerability in a widely used OS component means that targeted attackers with local access could leverage this flaw. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or attackers who have already gained limited footholds could exploit this vulnerability to escalate their information gathering capabilities. The impact is more pronounced in environments where Windows 10 1809 is still prevalent, such as industrial control systems, legacy enterprise applications, or organizations delaying OS upgrades.

1. Upgrade affected systems to a supported and fully patched version of Windows 10 or Windows 11, as Windows 10 Version 1809 is out of mainstream support and unlikely to receive security updates. 2. Implement strict access controls to limit local access to trusted users only, reducing the risk of exploitation by unauthorized personnel. 3. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious activities related to media file processing. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening untrusted media files, especially on legacy systems, to reduce the chance of triggering the vulnerability. 5. Monitor for any future patches or advisories from Microsoft and apply them promptly once available. 6. Conduct regular audits to identify any systems still running Windows 10 Version 1809 and prioritize their upgrade or isolation from sensitive networks. 7. Use network segmentation to limit the spread of any potential compromise originating from local exploitation of this vulnerability.