CVE-2024-49080 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) found in the Windows IP Routing Management Snap-in component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability allows for remote code execution (RCE) due to improper handling of memory buffers when processing certain inputs related to IP routing management. Specifically, an attacker with low privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N) required can exploit this vulnerability remotely over the network (AV:N) to execute arbitrary code with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The vulnerability does not require user interaction and has a low attack complexity (AC:L), making it relatively straightforward to exploit once an exploit is developed. The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component and does not extend to other system components. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the severity and ease of exploitation make it a critical risk for affected systems. The vulnerability was reserved on October 11, 2024, and published on December 10, 2024. No official patch links have been provided yet, indicating that affected organizations should be vigilant and prepare for imminent patch deployment. The Windows IP Routing Management Snap-in is a component used primarily by network administrators to manage IP routing configurations, so systems running this version of Windows 10 in network management roles are particularly at risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant threat, especially to enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure operators that still run Windows 10 Version 1809 in their environments. The ability for an attacker to remotely execute code with high privileges could lead to full system compromise, data breaches, disruption of network services, and lateral movement within corporate networks. This is particularly concerning for organizations managing complex network infrastructures or those with remote management capabilities exposed to untrusted networks. The confidentiality of sensitive data could be compromised, integrity of network configurations altered, and availability of critical services disrupted. Given the high CVSS score (8.8) and the nature of the vulnerability, attackers could leverage this flaw to deploy ransomware, steal intellectual property, or conduct espionage. The lack of user interaction requirement increases the risk of automated exploitation attempts. European organizations with legacy systems or delayed patching policies are at heightened risk, potentially impacting sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and public administration.

1. Immediate inventory and identification of all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0) within the organization, focusing on those with network management roles or exposed IP Routing Management Snap-in functionality. 2. Apply any available security updates or patches from Microsoft as soon as they are released. In the absence of official patches, consider temporary mitigations such as disabling or restricting access to the Windows IP Routing Management Snap-in remotely, especially from untrusted networks. 3. Implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to management interfaces only to trusted administrative networks and users. 4. Employ strict access controls and monitor for unusual activity related to IP routing management services. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect potential exploitation attempts or anomalous behavior indicative of heap overflow exploitation. 6. Educate IT and security teams about this vulnerability and ensure incident response plans are updated to address potential exploitation scenarios. 7. Consider upgrading affected systems to a supported and patched version of Windows where feasible to reduce exposure to legacy vulnerabilities.