CVE-2024-38078 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) affecting Microsoft Windows 11 version 21H2, specifically related to the Xbox Wireless Adapter component. Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use a pointer after the memory it points to has been freed, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, memory corruption, or system crashes. In this case, the vulnerability allows remote code execution (RCE) via the Xbox Wireless Adapter interface, which is used to connect Xbox controllers wirelessly to Windows 11 devices. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.5, indicating a high severity level. The attack vector is adjacent network (AV:A), meaning an attacker must be within the same network segment or have some network proximity to the target device. The attack complexity is high (AC:H), requiring specific conditions or knowledge to exploit. No privileges are required (PR:N), and no user interaction is needed (UI:N), which increases the risk since exploitation can occur without user action. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially taking full control of the affected system. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2024 and published in July 2024. Given the nature of the Xbox Wireless Adapter, the vulnerability likely resides in the driver or firmware handling wireless communication between the adapter and Xbox controllers on Windows 11 21H2 systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, particularly for those with Windows 11 21H2 endpoints using Xbox Wireless Adapters, which may be common in environments where gaming peripherals are used or in mixed-use workstations. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, or move laterally within networks. The adjacent network attack vector limits remote exploitation to attackers with network proximity, such as insiders or attackers who have gained access to local networks. However, in corporate or public Wi-Fi environments, this proximity requirement may be easily met. The lack of required privileges and user interaction increases the threat level, as exploitation can occur silently. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations could face data breaches, ransomware deployment, or persistent footholds. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity score indicates that once exploits emerge, rapid compromise is possible. European organizations with strict data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) must prioritize addressing this vulnerability to avoid compliance violations and reputational damage.

1. Monitor for official patches from Microsoft and apply them promptly once available. 2. Until patches are released, disable or restrict the use of Xbox Wireless Adapters on enterprise systems, especially on critical endpoints. 3. Implement network segmentation to limit access to devices with Xbox Wireless Adapters, reducing the risk of adjacent network exploitation. 4. Employ host-based intrusion detection and prevention systems (HIDS/HIPS) to detect anomalous behavior related to wireless adapter drivers. 5. Conduct endpoint inventory to identify devices running Windows 11 version 21H2 with Xbox Wireless Adapters and prioritize them for mitigation. 6. Educate IT staff about the vulnerability and encourage monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activity near wireless adapter communication channels. 7. Consider disabling Bluetooth and wireless adapter interfaces if not required, as a temporary risk reduction measure. 8. Review and tighten local network access controls to prevent unauthorized lateral movement within corporate networks.