CVE-2024-49081 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Wireless Wide Area Network Service (WwanSvc) component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). This vulnerability is classified under CWE-122, indicating that improper handling of memory buffers leads to an overflow condition on the heap. Specifically, the flaw allows an attacker with limited privileges (low-level privileges) to execute a carefully crafted input that causes the WwanSvc to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This can result in elevation of privilege, where an attacker can gain higher system privileges than initially granted. The vulnerability does not require user interaction to be exploited but does require local access with some privileges (PR:L). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.6, categorized as medium severity, reflecting the balance between the complexity of exploitation and the potential impact. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, all rated high, meaning successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, including unauthorized data access, modification, or denial of service. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or mitigation links have been published at the time of analysis. The vulnerability was reserved in early October 2024 and published in December 2024, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. The affected Windows 10 version 1809 is an older release, but still in use in some environments, particularly in enterprise settings where legacy systems persist. The WwanSvc is responsible for managing cellular network connections, so this vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers with local access to escalate privileges and potentially move laterally or maintain persistence within a compromised system.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-49081 could be significant, particularly in sectors relying on legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems. Elevation of privilege vulnerabilities allow attackers to bypass security controls, potentially leading to full system compromise. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of business operations, and the deployment of further malicious payloads such as ransomware or espionage tools. Organizations in critical infrastructure, government, finance, and healthcare sectors are especially at risk due to the sensitive nature of their data and the regulatory requirements for data protection under GDPR. The vulnerability's exploitation could undermine confidentiality by exposing personal or proprietary data, integrity by allowing unauthorized changes, and availability by causing system crashes or denial of service. Since the vulnerability affects a network service component related to cellular connectivity, organizations using mobile broadband or IoT devices running this Windows version could face increased risk. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity and potential for privilege escalation warrant proactive measures.

Given the absence of an official patch at the time of this analysis, European organizations should implement specific mitigations beyond generic advice: 1) Identify and inventory all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809, focusing on those utilizing the Wireless Wide Area Network Service. 2) Restrict local access rights to trusted users only, minimizing the number of accounts with low-level privileges that could exploit this vulnerability. 3) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor and block suspicious activities related to WwanSvc. 4) Disable or restrict the Wireless Wide Area Network Service on systems where cellular connectivity is not required, reducing the attack surface. 5) Monitor security advisories from Microsoft closely for the release of patches or official mitigations and prioritize patch deployment once available. 6) Conduct regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to detect potential exploitation attempts. 7) Implement network segmentation to isolate legacy systems and limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 8) Educate IT staff and users about the risks of privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of maintaining updated systems.