CVE-2024-9524 is a high-severity local privilege escalation vulnerability affecting Avira Prime version 1.1.96.2 on Windows 10 x64 systems. The vulnerability arises from improper link resolution before file access (CWE-59), specifically in the System Speedup Service component of Avira Prime. An attacker with limited local privileges can exploit a time-of-check to time-of-use (TOCTTOU) race condition by creating a symbolic link that redirects file operations to an unintended target. This allows the attacker to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM-level permissions, effectively gaining full control over the affected system. The vulnerability requires local access and does not require user interaction, but the attacker must have some level of authenticated access to the machine. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability due to the ability to execute code as SYSTEM. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that organizations should prioritize mitigation and monitoring. The vulnerability is specifically tied to a single version of Avira Prime, which is a consumer and enterprise security product widely used in Windows environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises and managed service providers using Avira Prime for endpoint protection on Windows 10 x64 systems. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, or deploy ransomware and other malware. The SYSTEM-level code execution capability means attackers can disable security features, create persistent backdoors, and move laterally within networks. This is particularly critical for organizations handling sensitive personal data under GDPR, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and critical infrastructure operators. The local nature of the attack means that insider threats or attackers who gain initial footholds through phishing or other means could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges rapidly. The lack of a patch increases exposure time, necessitating immediate compensating controls and heightened monitoring.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting local user permissions to the minimum necessary to reduce the risk of exploitation. 2. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious symbolic link creation or unusual file system activity related to Avira Prime processes. 3. Employ strict access controls on directories and files used by the System Speedup Service to prevent unauthorized symbolic link creation. 4. Use Windows security features such as Controlled Folder Access and exploit protection to limit the impact of potential code execution. 5. Monitor system logs and audit events for TOCTTOU-related anomalies or privilege escalation attempts. 6. Coordinate with Avira for timely patch deployment once available, and test updates in controlled environments before wide rollout. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of maintaining updated endpoint security software. 8. Consider temporary disabling or limiting the use of the System Speedup Service component if feasible until a patch is released.