CVE-2024-38133 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). It is classified under CWE-138, which involves improper neutralization of special elements, indicating a flaw in how the Windows kernel handles certain input or data elements. Specifically, this vulnerability is an elevation of privilege (EoP) issue within the Windows kernel. An attacker with limited privileges (low-level privileges) can exploit this vulnerability to escalate their privileges to a higher level, potentially SYSTEM or kernel-level privileges, without requiring user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the system but only requires low complexity (AC:L) and low privileges (PR:L) to exploit. No user interaction (UI:N) is needed, and the scope remains unchanged (S:U). The vulnerability allows an attacker to fully compromise the affected system by gaining elevated privileges, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, or disruption of system operations. No known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, and no official patches have been linked, indicating that mitigation may currently rely on workarounds or system hardening. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2024 and published in August 2024, showing recent discovery and disclosure. Given the affected product is Windows 10 Version 1809, which is an older Windows 10 release, systems still running this version are at risk if unpatched.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those still operating legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges locally, bypassing security controls and potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in data breaches, disruption of critical services, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure in Europe that rely on legacy Windows 10 environments are particularly vulnerable. The ability to escalate privileges without user interaction increases the risk of automated or stealthy attacks by insider threats or malware that has gained initial foothold with limited privileges. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but also means organizations should proactively patch or mitigate before exploitation becomes widespread. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks against European entities, especially those with high-value data or strategic importance, amplifying potential operational and reputational damage.

1. Immediate patching is the most effective mitigation; however, no official patch links are currently provided. Organizations should monitor Microsoft security advisories closely for updates and apply patches promptly once available. 2. Upgrade affected systems from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a supported and fully patched Windows version to eliminate exposure to this vulnerability. 3. Restrict local access to systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 by enforcing strict access controls and minimizing the number of users with local login privileges. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious privilege escalation behaviors and kernel-level anomalies. 5. Implement application whitelisting and least privilege principles to reduce the attack surface and limit the ability of attackers to execute code with elevated privileges. 6. Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focusing on privilege escalation vectors to identify and remediate similar weaknesses. 7. Harden systems by disabling unnecessary services and features that could be leveraged in local attacks. 8. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of running outdated operating systems and the importance of timely updates.