CVE-2024-49111 is a security vulnerability identified in Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1809, specifically affecting the Wireless Wide Area Network Service (WwanSvc). The vulnerability is classified as an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125), which occurs when a program reads data past the boundary of a buffer. This type of flaw can lead to elevation of privilege, allowing an attacker with limited privileges (low-level privileges) to potentially gain higher privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.6, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C) reveals that the attack requires local access (Attack Vector: Physical), low attack complexity, and low privileges, but no user interaction is needed. The scope is unchanged, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high. This means that exploitation could lead to full compromise of the system, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system files, and disruption of service. The vulnerability is present in Windows 10 Version 1809 build 10.0.17763.0, which is an older version of Windows 10. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in October 2024 and published in December 2024. Given the nature of the vulnerability in a core Windows service related to wireless WAN connectivity, it could be leveraged by attackers to escalate privileges on affected machines, particularly in environments where Windows 10 Version 1809 is still in use.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily to systems still running Windows 10 Version 1809, which may be found in legacy or industrial environments where upgrading is delayed. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, disruption of critical services, and lateral movement within networks. This could affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure that rely on legacy Windows 10 systems are particularly at risk. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity and high impact potential necessitate proactive mitigation. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited by insider threats or attackers with physical or local access, which is a realistic scenario in many organizational environments.

European organizations should prioritize identifying and inventorying all systems running Windows 10 Version 1809. Given the absence of an official patch at the time of this analysis, organizations should implement strict access controls to limit local access to trusted users only. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to privilege escalation attempts. Network segmentation can reduce the risk of lateral movement if a system is compromised. Organizations should also consider upgrading affected systems to a more recent, supported version of Windows 10 or Windows 11, where this vulnerability is not present. Monitoring logs for unusual activity related to the Wireless Wide Area Network Service and privilege escalation attempts is recommended. Finally, prepare to deploy official patches promptly once released by Microsoft and test them in controlled environments before wide deployment.