CVE-2024-38057 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability identified in the Kernel Streaming WOW Thunk Service Driver component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The root cause is an out-of-bounds read condition (CWE-125), which occurs when the driver improperly handles memory boundaries during kernel streaming operations. This flaw allows a local attacker with low privileges (PR:L) to read memory outside the intended buffer, potentially leading to memory corruption or disclosure of sensitive information. Exploiting this vulnerability can enable the attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, thereby gaining full control over the affected machine. The attack vector requires local access (AV:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N), making it feasible for attackers who have already compromised a low-privilege account or have physical access. The vulnerability affects Windows 10 Version 1809, an older and now out-of-support version, which increases risk as many systems may not receive security updates. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's characteristics make it a critical concern for legacy systems. The lack of patch links in the provided data suggests that organizations should verify patch availability directly from Microsoft and consider upgrading to supported versions to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-38057 can be significant, particularly for those still operating legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems. Successful exploitation allows attackers to elevate privileges from a low-privilege user to SYSTEM, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and the ability to deploy further malware or ransomware. Sectors such as government, healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure are especially vulnerable due to the high value of their data and services. The vulnerability's local attack vector means that insider threats or attackers who gain initial footholds through phishing or physical access can leverage this flaw to deepen their control. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits rapidly once details are public. European organizations with strict regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR) face additional compliance risks if this vulnerability leads to data breaches or service outages.

1. Verify and apply any official patches or security updates from Microsoft for Windows 10 Version 1809 as soon as they become available. 2. If patching is not feasible, prioritize upgrading affected systems to a supported and fully patched Windows version to eliminate exposure. 3. Restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 by enforcing strict access controls and limiting user privileges to the minimum necessary. 4. Implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious activities related to kernel streaming components or privilege escalation attempts. 5. Conduct regular audits of installed Windows versions across the organization to identify and remediate legacy systems. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of maintaining updated systems. 7. Employ application whitelisting and least privilege principles to reduce the attack surface. 8. Monitor security advisories from Microsoft and cybersecurity agencies for updates on exploit availability and mitigation guidance.