Executive Summary
CVE-2024-30052 is a critical vulnerability identified in Microsoft Visual Studio, specifically affecting versions 2019 and 2022. This vulnerability allows for remote code execution due to improper parsing of local configuration data by the Visual Studio updater service. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 4.7, indicating a medium severity level. While no specific Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups have been linked to this vulnerability, it is crucial for organizations using affected versions of Microsoft Visual Studio to prioritize patching to mitigate potential risks.
Technical Information
The vulnerability CVE-2024-30052 arises from a protection mechanism failure (CWE-693) in the Visual Studio updater service. This flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system by exploiting the improper parsing of configuration data. The attack vector is local, requiring high attack complexity and no privileges, but user interaction is required. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Visual Studio 2019 versions 15.0 (including) to 15.9.63 (excluding) and 16.0 (including) to 16.11.37 (including), as well as Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 versions 17.4 (including) to 17.4.20 (excluding) and 17.6 (including) to 17.6.16 (excluding). The improper parsing of configuration data can lead to remote code execution, which poses a significant risk to organizations relying on these versions for software development.
The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely used development environment, making it a potential target for threat actors interested in compromising software development processes. The improper parsing of configuration data by the Visual Studio updater service can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or further compromise of the affected systems. The attack complexity is high, and no privileges are required, but user interaction is necessary, which may limit the ease of exploitation. However, the potential impact of successful exploitation makes it imperative for organizations to address this vulnerability promptly.
Exploitation in the Wild
As of the latest reports, there have been no confirmed cases of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild. Additionally, there are no known exploits available for CVE-2024-30052. This suggests that while the vulnerability is significant, it has not yet been actively targeted by threat actors. Organizations should remain vigilant and monitor for any signs of exploitation, as the situation may evolve rapidly.
APT Groups using this vulnerability
While no specific APT groups have been linked to this vulnerability, groups known for targeting software development environments may show interest in exploiting such vulnerabilities. These groups often target sectors such as technology, finance, and government, and operate in regions including North America, Europe, and Asia. Organizations in these sectors and regions should be particularly cautious and ensure that their systems are adequately protected.
Affected Product Versions
The affected product versions include Microsoft Visual Studio 2019 versions 15.0 (including) to 15.9.63 (excluding) and 16.0 (including) to 16.11.37 (including), as well as Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 versions 17.4 (including) to 17.4.20 (excluding) and 17.6 (including) to 17.6.16 (excluding). Organizations using these versions should prioritize applying the available patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Workaround and Mitigation
Microsoft has released patches to address this vulnerability. Users and administrators are strongly advised to apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft. The patch details can be found on the Microsoft Security Response Center's official page: Microsoft Security Update Guide. In addition to applying patches, organizations should implement best security practices, such as restricting user permissions, monitoring network traffic for unusual activity, and conducting regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
References
For further information on CVE-2024-30052, please refer to the following resources: National Vulnerability Database (NVD): CVE-2024-30052 Details, Microsoft Security Response Center: Security Update Guide, and MITRE: CVE-2024-30052. These resources provide detailed information on the vulnerability, its impact, and recommended mitigation strategies.
Rescana is here for you
At Rescana, we are committed to helping our customers navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats. Our Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM) platform is designed to provide comprehensive visibility into your organization's security posture, enabling you to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. We are here to support you in safeguarding your systems and data against potential threats. If you have any questions about this report or any other cybersecurity concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at ops@rescana.com.
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