CVE-2024-38060 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-122, found in the Windows Imaging Component (WIC) of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely by sending specially crafted data to the vulnerable component. The flaw arises from improper handling of memory buffers in WIC, leading to a heap overflow condition that can overwrite critical memory structures. The vulnerability requires no user interaction (UI:N) and only low privileges (PR:L) to exploit, with network attack vector (AV:N), making it accessible remotely over a network. The impact includes full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H), enabling attackers to run arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, potentially leading to system takeover. Although no public exploits are reported yet, the vulnerability is rated high severity with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8, indicating a serious threat. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2024 and published in July 2024, with no patches currently linked, emphasizing the need for immediate attention. The Windows Imaging Component is widely used for image processing tasks, so exploitation could affect various applications and services relying on this component. Given the age of Windows 10 Version 1809, many organizations may have legacy systems still in operation, increasing the attack surface.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-38060 is significant, particularly for those still operating Windows 10 Version 1809 in production environments. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to remotely execute arbitrary code, leading to full system compromise, data theft, disruption of services, and potential lateral movement within networks. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government entities that rely on legacy Windows systems are at heightened risk. The vulnerability’s remote exploitability without user interaction increases the likelihood of automated attacks and wormable scenarios if exploited in the wild. This could lead to widespread disruption of business operations and compromise of sensitive data. Additionally, the lack of an official patch at the time of disclosure means organizations must rely on interim mitigations, increasing exposure duration. The reputational, financial, and regulatory consequences of breaches stemming from this vulnerability could be severe, especially under stringent European data protection regulations like GDPR.

1. Immediate assessment of all Windows 10 Version 1809 systems within the organization to identify vulnerable endpoints. 2. Prioritize upgrading affected systems to a supported and patched version of Windows 10 or Windows 11, as Windows 10 1809 is out of mainstream support. 3. In the absence of an official patch, restrict network access to vulnerable systems by implementing strict firewall rules and network segmentation to limit exposure. 4. Employ application control and whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code. 5. Utilize exploit mitigation technologies such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Control Flow Guard (CFG) to reduce exploitation success. 6. Monitor network traffic and system logs for anomalous activity indicative of exploitation attempts targeting WIC or related components. 7. Educate IT staff about the vulnerability and ensure incident response plans include scenarios involving remote code execution vulnerabilities. 8. Engage with Microsoft security advisories regularly to apply patches promptly once released. 9. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting exploitation behaviors related to heap overflows.