CVE-2024-38058 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-693 (Protection Mechanism Failure) affecting the BitLocker encryption feature in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). BitLocker is designed to protect data confidentiality by encrypting entire volumes, preventing unauthorized access to data at rest. This vulnerability allows an attacker with physical or local access to bypass BitLocker protections, undermining the encryption's effectiveness. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.8, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is physical (AV:P), meaning the attacker must have local access to the device, but no privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N) are required, which lowers the barrier to exploitation once physical access is obtained. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), meaning an attacker could read, modify, or delete encrypted data. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and published by Microsoft and tracked by CISA. No patches are currently linked, so organizations must monitor for updates. The flaw represents a failure in the protection mechanism of BitLocker, potentially due to improper handling of encryption keys or bypassing of security checks. This vulnerability is particularly critical for environments relying on BitLocker to secure sensitive or regulated data, as it could lead to data breaches if devices are lost or stolen.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-38058 is significant, especially for those in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on BitLocker for data protection. The vulnerability could allow attackers with physical access to decrypt sensitive data, leading to data breaches, intellectual property theft, and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR and other data protection laws. The compromise of data integrity and availability could disrupt business operations and damage organizational reputation. Since the attack requires physical access, risks are elevated in scenarios involving lost or stolen laptops, insider threats, or insufficient physical security controls. The medium severity rating reflects the balance between the high impact of a successful exploit and the limited attack vector. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using Windows 10 Version 1809 on portable devices are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the threat remains relevant given the widespread use of BitLocker in Europe.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply patches immediately once available to address CVE-2024-38058. 2. Upgrade affected systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a supported, more secure Windows version (e.g., Windows 10 22H2 or Windows 11) to benefit from improved security features and ongoing support. 3. Enforce strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to devices, including secure storage, cable locks, and access restrictions in offices and remote work environments. 4. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious local activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Use multi-factor authentication and strong access controls to limit local user privileges and reduce insider threat risks. 6. Conduct regular audits of device encryption status and compliance with organizational security policies. 7. Educate employees on the risks of device loss and the importance of reporting lost or stolen devices promptly. 8. Consider additional encryption layers or hardware-based security modules (e.g., TPM) to complement BitLocker protections. 9. Develop incident response plans specifically addressing scenarios involving physical device compromise and encryption bypass.