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CVE-2024-38063 is a critical vulnerability within the Windows TCP/IP stack's IPv6 subsystem, enabling unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM-level privileges. Disclosed in Microsoft's August 2024 Patch Tuesday, this vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its severity. Due to its critical nature, it poses a substantial risk, particularly for sectors and countries that are frequently targeted by Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups, including critical infrastructure and government entities.
Targeted Sectors and Countries
APT groups are likely to exploit CVE-2024-38063, particularly targeting critical infrastructure and government entities. The sectors and countries most at risk include:
Sectors: Government, Energy, Finance, Healthcare, Telecommunications, Defense
Countries: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and other NATO member states
These sectors and countries are often targeted due to their strategic importance and the significant impact a successful exploit could have.
CVE-2024-38063 - Technical Information
CVE-2024-38063 affects the Windows TCP/IP stack, specifically the handling of IPv6 packets. The vulnerability results from a flaw in processing specially crafted IPv6 packets, leading to a heap buffer overflow. This overflow allows attackers to remotely execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges.
The core issue is how the Windows TCP/IP stack processes incoming IPv6 packets. A maliciously crafted IPv6 packet can trigger a heap buffer overflow, corrupting memory and enabling the execution of arbitrary code at the SYSTEM privilege level, thereby granting the attacker full control over the affected system.
This vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it requires no user interaction, making it a zero-click exploit. Attackers can target systems remotely without needing to rely on social engineering tactics. The flaw's presence in a fundamental operating system component—the TCP/IP stack—means it impacts a wide range of Windows versions and configurations.
Microsoft's security bulletin categorizes this vulnerability as highly likely to be exploited, underscoring the urgency of addressing it. The lack of user interaction required for exploitation, combined with the potential for remote code execution at the highest privilege level, highlights the critical nature of this vulnerability.
Exploitation in the Wild
As of this report, there have been no public proof-of-concepts (PoCs) or confirmed instances of CVE-2024-38063 being exploited in the wild. However, given the vulnerability's critical nature and high CVSS score, it is anticipated that threat actors will prioritize developing exploits for this flaw. Security researchers and vendors consider this vulnerability an attractive target for APT groups, who are likely to exploit it once a reliable method is developed.
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) for exploitation attempts may include unusual IPv6 traffic patterns, unexpected system reboots, and unauthorized changes to system configurations. Network administrators should remain vigilant for signs of exploitation and prepare to respond swiftly to any detected intrusions.
APT Groups Using This Vulnerability
While specific APT groups exploiting CVE-2024-38063 have not yet been identified, its characteristics make it a prime target for state-sponsored groups focused on espionage, disruption, and critical infrastructure attacks. Historically, APT groups like APT29 (Cozy Bear) and APT28 (Fancy Bear)—known for targeting government entities and critical infrastructure in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and other NATO member states—are likely candidates for leveraging this vulnerability.
These groups have a history of exploiting high-severity vulnerabilities in widely used software to gain footholds in targeted networks. Given the strategic value of the Windows TCP/IP stack and the potential for remote code execution with SYSTEM privileges, it is plausible that such groups are actively investigating ways to exploit CVE-2024-38063.
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Affected Product Versions
The following Windows product versions are confirmed to be affected by CVE-2024-38063:
Windows 10 Version 1809: 10.0.17763.6189
Windows Server 2019: 10.0.17763.6189
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core Installation): 10.0.17763.6189
Windows 10 Version 1903: 10.0.18362.9000
Windows 10 Version 1909: 10.0.18363.9000
Windows 10 Version 2004: 10.0.19041.8040
Windows 10 Version 20H2: 10.0.19042.8040
Windows 11 Version 21H2: 10.0.22000.1000
Windows Server 2022: 10.0.20348.9000
Organizations using these versions should prioritize applying the necessary patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Workaround and Mitigation
Immediate Actions
Apply Microsoft Patch: The primary mitigation strategy is to apply the patch provided by Microsoft. This patch corrects how the Windows TCP/IP stack processes IPv6 packets.
Reference: Microsoft Security Update
Disable IPv6: If patching is not immediately feasible, disabling IPv6 on affected systems can serve as a temporary mitigation measure.
Guide: Instructions for disabling IPv6 are available in Microsoft's documentation or network configuration guides.
Long-term Measures
Network Monitoring: Implement comprehensive network monitoring to detect unusual IPv6 traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Segmentation: Segment critical systems and restrict IPv6 traffic where possible to minimize exposure.
Incident Response Plan: Update incident response plans to include procedures for handling potential exploitation of CVE-2024-38063.
References
About Rescana
Rescana provides comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, including Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM), to help organizations identify, analyze, and mitigate vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-38063. Our platform ensures that clients remain protected against the latest threats through continuous monitoring and proactive security measures.
For further assistance and detailed remediation strategies, please contact our cybersecurity experts at Rescana.
Email: ops@rescana.com
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