CVE-2024-49089 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0), specifically within the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS). The vulnerability is classified as an integer overflow or wraparound issue (CWE-190), which can lead to remote code execution (RCE). An integer overflow occurs when an arithmetic operation attempts to create a numeric value that is outside the range that can be represented with a given number of bits, causing unexpected behavior such as memory corruption. In this context, the flaw in RRAS allows an attacker to send specially crafted network packets that exploit this overflow, potentially enabling execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.2, indicating high severity, with the vector string AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This means the attack can be performed remotely over the network with low attack complexity but requires high privileges on the system and no user interaction. Successful exploitation compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability, allowing attackers to execute code remotely and potentially take full control of the affected system. No public exploits are currently known in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved on October 11, 2024, and published on December 10, 2024. Given the affected product is Windows 10 Version 1809, which is an older release, many organizations may have already moved to newer versions, but legacy systems remain at risk. RRAS is commonly used in enterprise environments to provide VPN and routing services, making this vulnerability particularly relevant for organizations relying on these services for remote access and network connectivity.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-49089 can be significant, especially for those still operating legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems with RRAS enabled. Exploitation could lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain control over critical network infrastructure components. This can result in data breaches, disruption of remote access services, lateral movement within corporate networks, and potential deployment of ransomware or other malware. Confidentiality is at high risk as attackers could access sensitive data traversing RRAS connections. Integrity and availability are also severely impacted, as attackers could modify routing configurations or disrupt network services, causing operational downtime. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on secure remote access and the sensitivity of their data. The requirement for high privileges to exploit the vulnerability suggests that attackers would need to compromise an account with elevated rights first, but once achieved, the impact is severe. The lack of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the absence of official patches increases risk for organizations unable to upgrade or apply workarounds promptly.

1. Upgrade affected systems: The most effective mitigation is to upgrade Windows 10 Version 1809 systems to a supported, patched version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 where this vulnerability is resolved. 2. Restrict RRAS usage: Disable RRAS on systems where it is not strictly necessary to reduce the attack surface. 3. Network segmentation: Isolate RRAS servers in dedicated network segments with strict firewall rules limiting access only to trusted IP addresses and networks. 4. Privilege management: Enforce the principle of least privilege by ensuring that accounts with high privileges on RRAS servers are tightly controlled and monitored. 5. Monitor network traffic: Implement advanced network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify anomalous or malformed packets targeting RRAS services. 6. Apply temporary workarounds: If patches are unavailable, consider disabling vulnerable RRAS features or applying vendor-recommended configuration changes to mitigate integer overflow exploitation. 7. Incident response readiness: Prepare and test incident response plans specifically for remote code execution attacks targeting network infrastructure. 8. Regular vulnerability scanning: Continuously scan for outdated Windows 10 Version 1809 systems and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly.