CVE-2024-49078
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the Windows Mobile Broadband Driver allows an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges by exploiting an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125). It affects Windows systems with mobile broadband hardware or drivers installed. 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, persistence establishment, and lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Local attackers escalate from standard user to SYSTEM privileges to install malware, disable security controls, or access protected system resources.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and patch management, the risk is limited to authorized users who would need to bypass other security measures to exploit the vulnerability.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local authenticated access and knowledge of driver exploitation techniques. No public exploits available at this time.
🛠️ 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-2024-49078
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Apply the latest Windows security updates from Microsoft. 2. Install the specific KB patch mentioned in the advisory. 3. Restart the system as required.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Mobile Broadband Hardware
windowsRemove or disable mobile broadband hardware/drivers if not required
Device Manager > Network adapters > Right-click mobile broadband adapter > Disable device
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with mobile broadband hardware
- Implement application control policies to prevent unauthorized code execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if mobile broadband drivers are installed via Device Manager and verify Windows version against affected versions in Microsoft advisoryCheck Version:
wmic os get caption, version, buildnumberVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Windows Update history shows the relevant security patch installed and system version is updated📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual driver loading events
- Privilege escalation attempts in security logs
- Suspicious process creation with SYSTEM privileges
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND NewProcessName contains 'cmd.exe' OR 'powershell.exe' AND SubjectUserName!=SYSTEM AND TokenElevationType=%%1938