CVE-2024-21339 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 02/13/2024
Windows USB Generic Parent Driver Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2026
This vulnerability exists within the Windows USB Generic Parent Driver component that handles communication between USB devices and the operating system. The flaw allows remote code execution when a malicious USB device or crafted USB connection triggers improper input validation during driver processing. Attackers can exploit this by connecting specially crafted USB devices that contain malicious firmware or data structures designed to trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption within the driver's handling routines. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking and validation of USB descriptor data, particularly in how the driver processes device configuration information during enumeration phases. This represents a classic example of a kernel-level vulnerability where user-mode input directly influences privileged driver operations, creating a pathway for privilege escalation from standard user context to SYSTEM level execution.
The technical implementation involves exploitation of improper handling of USB device descriptors and configuration data structures within the Windows USB stack. When a USB device connects, the Generic Parent Driver parses various descriptor types including device descriptors, configuration descriptors, and interface descriptors to establish communication parameters. The vulnerability manifests when these descriptors contain malformed or oversized data fields that exceed expected buffer sizes during parsing operations. This allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations within driver processes, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The exploitation typically requires physical access to a target system for device connection or relies on social engineering to convince users to connect malicious USB devices. The attack surface extends beyond simple remote code execution as it can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks and persistent access mechanisms.
From an operational perspective this vulnerability presents significant risk across enterprise environments where USB devices are commonly used for data transfer, peripheral connectivity, and device management. Organizations with poor USB security policies or limited endpoint protection may face severe consequences including data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement within networks. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed through seemingly benign USB connections, making detection difficult and user education challenging. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as high-risk due to its potential for automated exploitation and the widespread use of USB interfaces in computing environments. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to include potential corporate data exfiltration, credential theft, and establishment of persistent backdoors through infected USB devices.
Mitigation strategies should focus on both operational controls and technical defenses to address this vulnerability effectively. Organizations must implement strict USB device policies limiting unauthorized device connections and establish comprehensive endpoint protection measures including USB device monitoring and filtering capabilities. The Windows operating system provides several built-in mitigations such as USB device whitelisting through group policy controls and enabling Device Guard features that restrict USB device behavior. Security professionals should also consider implementing runtime protections like exploit prevention tools, kernel patch protection mechanisms, and enhanced logging of USB device connections for forensic analysis. Additionally, regular security updates and patches from Microsoft should be prioritized to address known vulnerabilities in USB driver components. The implementation of these controls aligns with cybersecurity frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and follows recommended practices outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation categories. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments focusing on USB device management and implement proper incident response procedures to handle potential exploitation attempts involving this vulnerability type.