CVE-2024-21310 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 01/09/2024
Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2026
This vulnerability exists within the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver component that operates at the kernel level to manage cloud storage synchronization activities. The flaw allows local attackers with standard user privileges to escalate their access rights to system level privileges through improper validation of input parameters passed to the driver. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the driver processes certain IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests without adequate sanitization of user-supplied data, creating a path for privilege escalation attacks. The affected driver operates in kernel space and interfaces with cloud storage services like OneDrive and SharePoint, making it a critical component in the Windows security architecture.
The technical exploitation occurs through crafted malicious input that triggers a buffer overread condition or arbitrary code execution within the driver context. When legitimate user applications submit specific requests to the Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver, malformed parameters can cause the kernel to execute unintended code paths with elevated privileges. This represents a classic kernel-mode privilege escalation vulnerability where the attacker leverages a flaw in access control validation to bypass security boundaries that normally prevent standard users from accessing system-level resources. The vulnerability falls under CWE-264, which specifically addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls in operating systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to gain complete system compromise without requiring physical access or administrative credentials initially. Once exploited, the attacker can modify system files, install malware, disable security features, and establish persistence mechanisms within the target environment. The vulnerability affects Windows 10 versions 1809 through 21H2 and Windows Server 2019 and 2022 installations where the Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver is enabled. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be exploited in both local and remote attack scenarios, particularly when users interact with malicious cloud storage synchronization activities or when attackers leverage other initial access vectors to establish a foothold.
Mitigation strategies include immediate installation of Microsoft security patches that address the privilege escalation flaw in the Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver. System administrators should also implement the principle of least privilege by restricting user access to cloud storage synchronization features and monitoring for suspicious driver activity. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation, and T1566 which involves social engineering via malicious cloud services. Organizations should conduct security assessments to identify systems running affected versions and ensure that automatic update mechanisms are enabled to receive timely security patches from Microsoft's Windows Update service.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of kernel-mode driver security in modern operating systems, where a single flaw can provide attackers with complete system control. Defense-in-depth strategies should include endpoint detection and response solutions that monitor for abnormal driver behavior and privilege escalation attempts. Regular security audits of cloud storage configurations and user access controls are essential to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other kernel-mode components. Microsoft has classified this vulnerability as critical and recommends immediate remediation through official security updates, emphasizing the need for timely patch management procedures across enterprise environments.