CVE-2024-49081
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Windows Wireless Wide Area Network Service (WwanSvc) allows attackers to escalate privileges from a lower-privileged account to SYSTEM level. It affects Windows systems with WWAN functionality enabled. Attackers need local access to exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- Microsoft Windows
📦 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
Full SYSTEM compromise allowing complete control over the affected system, installation of malware, credential theft, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling attackers to bypass security controls, install persistence mechanisms, and access sensitive system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to proper access controls, network segmentation, and monitoring preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to execute code. No public exploit code available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: July 2024 security updates (KB5040437 for Windows 11, KB5040435 for Windows 10, etc.)
Vendor Advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2024-49081
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Apply July 2024 Windows security updates via Windows Update. 2. For enterprise: Deploy through WSUS, SCCM, or Intune. 3. Restart affected systems after patch installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WWAN Service
windowsTemporarily disable the Wireless Wide Area Network Service if not needed
sc config WwanSvc start= disabled
sc stop WwanSvc
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict local access controls and least privilege principles
- Monitor for suspicious process creation and privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Windows version and if July 2024 security updates are installed. Systems without KB5040437/KB5040435 or equivalent are vulnerable.Check Version:
systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /C:"OS Version"Verify Fix Applied:
Verify July 2024 security updates are installed via 'winver' or 'systeminfo' command📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Event ID 4688: New process creation with SYSTEM privileges from non-SYSTEM accounts
- Suspicious WwanSvc service activity
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections following local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND NewProcessName="*" AND SubjectUserName!="SYSTEM" AND TokenElevationType="%%1936"