CVE-2023-24941 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 05/09/2023
Windows Network File System Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2023
The Windows Network File System remote code execution vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that affects the Windows operating system's network file sharing capabilities. This vulnerability specifically targets the Server Message Block protocol implementation within Windows systems, creating potential pathways for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue stems from improper handling of network requests within the file sharing infrastructure, allowing malicious actors to exploit weaknesses in the authentication and processing mechanisms. Security researchers identified this vulnerability through comprehensive analysis of network protocol implementations and their interaction with file system services. The flaw exists in the way Windows processes certain network file system requests, particularly those involving remote file access operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a buffer overflow condition within the network file system processing code. When Windows receives specially crafted network requests through the SMB protocol, the system fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them within memory buffers. This inadequate validation creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite memory locations with malicious code payloads, effectively allowing remote code execution without proper authentication. The vulnerability manifests when the system attempts to handle file operations across network shares, particularly during file enumeration or access requests. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious code into the memory space of the targeted Windows system, bypassing normal security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems. Once successfully exploited, adversaries can establish backdoor access, escalate privileges, and move laterally within network environments. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows 11, and various server operating systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where file sharing services are extensively utilized. Organizations with network file shares, domain controllers, or systems running file server roles face the highest risk of exploitation. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious network requests, compromised network shares, or through phishing attacks that trick users into connecting to malicious file servers. Security analysts note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1