CVE-2024-49092 is a vulnerability identified in the Windows Mobile Broadband Driver component of Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809 (build 10.0.17763.0). The vulnerability is classified as an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125), which occurs when the software reads data outside the boundaries of allocated memory. This flaw can lead to elevation of privilege, allowing an attacker to gain higher-level permissions than intended. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or prior authentication, but it does require local access (attack vector: physical or local access). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.8, indicating a medium severity level, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability if exploited. The out-of-bounds read can cause the system to leak sensitive information or potentially corrupt memory, leading to system instability or crashes. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's presence in a core driver component makes it a significant risk for systems still running this older Windows 10 version. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for mitigation. Since Windows 10 Version 1809 is an older release, many organizations may have already migrated to newer versions, but legacy systems remain vulnerable. The vulnerability's exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls and execute code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-49092 can be substantial, especially for those relying on legacy Windows 10 Version 1809 systems in critical infrastructure, manufacturing, or government sectors. Elevated privileges gained through this vulnerability could enable attackers to access sensitive data, disrupt operations, or deploy ransomware and other malware. Confidentiality is at high risk due to potential data leakage from out-of-bounds reads. Integrity and availability are also threatened, as memory corruption could cause system crashes or unpredictable behavior. Organizations with strict regulatory requirements, such as GDPR, face additional compliance risks if breaches occur. The vulnerability's local attack vector limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments where attackers can gain physical or local access, such as through insider threats or compromised endpoints. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the medium severity rating and high impact on core security properties necessitate urgent attention.

Given the absence of an official patch at the time of reporting, European organizations should implement several targeted mitigations: 1) Identify and inventory all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809, prioritizing those with Mobile Broadband Driver components. 2) Where possible, upgrade affected systems to a supported and patched version of Windows 10 or later to eliminate exposure. 3) Restrict physical and local access to vulnerable systems by enforcing strict access controls and monitoring. 4) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts. 5) Harden systems by disabling or limiting the use of Mobile Broadband features if not required. 6) Conduct regular memory integrity checks and system stability monitoring to detect early signs of exploitation. 7) Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local attacks and enforce strong authentication and session locking policies to reduce the risk of unauthorized local access. 8) Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific affected component and attack vector.