CVE-2024-38105 is a vulnerability identified in the Windows Layer-2 Bridge Network Driver component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The underlying issue is classified under CWE-20, which corresponds to improper input validation. This vulnerability allows an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition by sending specially crafted input to the affected network driver. Because the flaw is in the Layer-2 Bridge Network Driver, which handles network bridging functionality at the data link layer, exploitation can disrupt network connectivity or cause system instability. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, and can be exploited remotely over the network (Attack Vector: Adjacent Network). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level, with the impact focused solely on availability (no confidentiality or integrity impact). 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, indicating it is a recent discovery. Given that Windows 10 Version 1809 is an older release, many organizations may have already moved to newer versions, but legacy systems remain at risk. The improper input validation flaw means that malformed network packets targeting the Layer-2 bridge driver can crash or destabilize the system, potentially causing network outages or requiring system reboots to restore normal operation.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-38105 is the potential disruption of network services on systems running Windows 10 Version 1809. This could affect enterprise environments where legacy systems are still in use, including industrial control systems, critical infrastructure, or specialized network appliances that have not been upgraded. A denial of service on network bridging components can lead to loss of connectivity between network segments, impacting business continuity, operational technology, and internal communications. Although the vulnerability does not expose data confidentiality or integrity, availability disruptions can have cascading effects, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government services where uptime is critical. The lack of authentication and user interaction requirements means that attackers with network access (e.g., internal threat actors or attackers who have gained a foothold in the network) can exploit this vulnerability relatively easily. However, the attack vector is adjacent network, so remote exploitation from the internet is less likely unless the attacker is on the same local network or VPN segment. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as proof-of-concept exploits may emerge.

To mitigate CVE-2024-38105 effectively, European organizations should: 1) Prioritize upgrading or patching affected systems. Although no patch links are currently available, organizations should monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply updates as soon as they are released. 2) Identify and inventory all Windows 10 Version 1809 systems, especially those performing network bridging functions, and plan for upgrade to supported Windows versions where possible. 3) Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of critical systems to adjacent network attackers. Restrict access to network segments where vulnerable systems reside using VLANs, firewalls, and access control lists. 4) Monitor network traffic for anomalous or malformed packets targeting Layer-2 bridging components, using intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with updated signatures once available. 5) Employ network access controls and endpoint protection to reduce the risk of attackers gaining initial access to internal networks. 6) Develop incident response plans that include procedures for handling denial of service conditions affecting network infrastructure components. 7) Engage with Microsoft support channels for guidance and early access to patches or workarounds if available.