CVE-2024-38250
📋 TL;DR
This Windows Graphics Component vulnerability allows an attacker to gain SYSTEM-level privileges on affected systems by exploiting a buffer overflow condition. It affects Windows operating systems with the vulnerable graphics component. Attackers need local access to exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- Microsoft Windows
📦 What is this software?
Office by Microsoft
Office by Microsoft
Office Long Term Servicing Channel by Microsoft
View all CVEs affecting Office Long Term Servicing Channel →
Windows 10 1507 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1507 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1607 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1607 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1809 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1809 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1809 by Microsoft
Windows 10 21h1 by Microsoft
Windows 10 21h1 by Microsoft
Windows 10 21h1 by Microsoft
Windows 10 22h2 by Microsoft
Windows 10 22h2 by Microsoft
Windows 10 22h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 21h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 21h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 22h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 22h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 23h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 23h2 by Microsoft
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with SYSTEM privileges, enabling complete control over the affected machine, data theft, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security controls, install malware, or access protected resources on the compromised system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls, least privilege principles, and network segmentation are implemented, though the vulnerability still exists.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and some technical knowledge to exploit the buffer overflow condition.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apply the latest Windows security updates from Microsoft's July 2024 Patch Tuesday or later
Vendor Advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2024-38250
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Windows Update settings. 2. Click 'Check for updates'. 3. Install all available security updates. 4. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
windowsLimit local user accounts and implement least privilege principles to reduce attack surface
Enable Windows Defender Exploit Guard
windowsUse exploit protection features to mitigate buffer overflow attacks
Set-ProcessMitigation -System -Enable DEP,ASLR,CFG
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and limit local user privileges
- Monitor for suspicious process creation and privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Windows Update history for July 2024 security updates or run: wmic qfe list | findstr "KB5039211"Check Version:
winverVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the security update KB5039211 (or later) is installed via Windows Update history or Settings > Windows Update > Update history📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Event ID 4688: New process creation with SYSTEM privileges from non-SYSTEM accounts
- Event ID 4672: Special privileges assigned to new logon
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from systems after local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
source="windows_security" (event_id=4688 OR event_id=4672) | where parent_process_name contains "explorer.exe" AND process_name="cmd.exe" OR process_name="powershell.exe"