CVE-2024-49073
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the Windows Mobile Broadband Driver allows an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges by exploiting improper input validation. It affects Windows systems with mobile broadband functionality enabled. Attackers need local access to exploit this privilege escalation flaw.
💻 Affected Systems
- Windows Mobile Broadband Driver
📦 What is this software?
Windows 10 1809 by Microsoft
Windows 10 1809 by Microsoft
Windows 10 21h2 by Microsoft
Windows 10 22h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 22h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 23h2 by Microsoft
Windows 11 24h2 by Microsoft
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains full SYSTEM privileges on the compromised system, enabling complete control, data theft, lateral movement, and persistence establishment.
Likely Case
Local authenticated attackers escalate privileges to SYSTEM level to bypass security controls, install malware, or access protected resources.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege principles, impact is limited to the compromised user account without SYSTEM escalation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local authenticated access. Exploitation involves triggering improper input validation in the driver.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Microsoft's monthly security updates for specific KB numbers
Vendor Advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2024-49073
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Apply latest Windows security updates via Windows Update. 2. For enterprise: Deploy patches through WSUS or management tools. 3. Verify installation via Windows Update history or system information.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Mobile Broadband
windowsDisable mobile broadband functionality if not required
Disable via Device Manager: Disable 'Mobile Broadband' devices
PowerShell: Disable-PnpDevice -InstanceId (Get-PnpDevice -Class Net | Where-Object {$_.FriendlyName -like '*Mobile Broadband*'}).InstanceId -Confirm:$false
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and least privilege principles to limit local authenticated access
- Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and driver-related activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Windows Update history for missing security updates related to CVE-2024-49073 or run: wmic qfe list | findstr KBCheck Version:
systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /C:"OS Version"Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the specific KB patch is installed via: wmic qfe get hotfixid | findstr [KB_NUMBER]📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Security Event ID 4688 (process creation) showing unexpected SYSTEM privilege processes
- Driver load events from non-standard locations
- Privilege escalation attempts in security logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from SYSTEM context processes
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND NewProcessName CONTAINS 'cmd.exe' OR 'powershell.exe' AND SubjectUserName!=SYSTEM AND TokenElevationType=%%1938