CVE-2024-38112 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-451 (User Interface Misrepresentation) affecting the MSHTML platform component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 22H2 (build 10.0.19045.0). The flaw allows an attacker to craft malicious web content or documents that, when rendered by the MSHTML engine, can spoof critical user interface elements. This misrepresentation can deceive users into believing they are interacting with legitimate system dialogs or trusted content, potentially leading them to disclose sensitive information or execute unintended actions. The vulnerability has an attack vector of network (AV:N), requires high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). The exploitability factor is functional (E:F), and the report confidence is confirmed (RC:C). Although no public exploits are known yet, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for phishing, credential theft, or execution of malicious commands under the guise of trusted UI elements. The vulnerability is currently unpatched, with no official patch links available at the time of reporting. The MSHTML engine is widely used in legacy applications and some Windows components, increasing the attack surface. This vulnerability highlights the risks of UI spoofing in trusted system components and the importance of validating UI integrity in security-sensitive contexts.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-38112 can be substantial. The vulnerability enables attackers to deceive users into performing harmful actions by presenting spoofed UI elements, which can lead to credential theft, unauthorized data access, or execution of malicious commands. This can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on Windows 10 systems and the potential high value of compromised data. The requirement for user interaction means social engineering or phishing campaigns could be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability. Given the widespread deployment of Windows 10 Version 22H2 in European enterprises, the risk of targeted attacks exploiting this flaw is significant. Additionally, the high attack complexity may limit mass exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks against high-value entities. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation once details become more widely understood.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches immediately once released to address CVE-2024-38112. 2. Until patches are available, restrict or disable the use of MSHTML-based components where feasible, especially in email clients, browsers, or document viewers that render untrusted content. 3. Implement application whitelisting and restrict execution of untrusted scripts or HTML content that relies on MSHTML. 4. Enhance user training and awareness programs to recognize spoofed UI elements and suspicious prompts, emphasizing caution with unexpected dialogs or requests for credentials. 5. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous behaviors related to UI spoofing or unauthorized execution triggered by MSHTML. 6. Use network-level protections such as web filtering and email security gateways to block or quarantine suspicious content that could exploit this vulnerability. 7. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration tests focusing on UI spoofing and social engineering attack vectors to evaluate organizational resilience. 8. Consider isolating legacy applications dependent on MSHTML in sandboxed or virtualized environments to limit potential damage from exploitation.