CVE-2024-38025 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/09/2024
Microsoft Windows Performance Data Helper Library Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
This vulnerability resides in the Windows Performance Data Helper library which is integral to system performance monitoring and data collection operations across Microsoft Windows operating systems. The flaw manifests as a remote code execution vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems without requiring authentication or user interaction. The underlying technical issue stems from improper input validation within the performance data helper components that process external performance data streams. When maliciously crafted performance data is processed by the affected library, it triggers memory corruption conditions that can be exploited to gain remote code execution privileges.
The vulnerability impacts multiple Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019, with the severity classified as critical due to its remote exploitability and potential for widespread system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including malicious performance data files, compromised network services that provide performance metrics, or by exploiting other vulnerabilities that lead to the execution of malicious performance data within the affected library. The flaw specifically relates to CWE-121 which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also map to CWE-787 for out-of-bounds write operations that occur during performance data processing.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments where Windows systems are exposed to untrusted network traffic or where performance monitoring services are enabled and accessible from external networks. The attack surface expands when considering that performance data helper libraries are often used in monitoring solutions, system administration tools, and network management applications that may be accessible across different network segments. Organizations running Windows systems without proper network segmentation or endpoint protection measures face heightened exposure as attackers can potentially exploit this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and move laterally within compromised networks.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security updates and patches released through Windows Update mechanisms. Network-based defenses should focus on restricting access to performance monitoring services and implementing network segmentation controls that limit exposure of affected systems. Endpoint detection and response solutions can be configured to monitor for suspicious performance data processing activities and anomalous behavior patterns associated with memory corruption exploits. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script interpreter usage and T1071 for application layer protocol communications, making it particularly dangerous in environments where traditional network perimeter defenses may be insufficient.
Organizations should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as disabling unnecessary performance monitoring services, configuring secure network access controls for system administration interfaces, and establishing robust monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all Windows systems, particularly those running critical services or exposed to external networks. Regular security assessments should include evaluation of performance data handling processes and verification that appropriate input validation measures are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other system components. Proper incident response procedures must be established to quickly identify and contain exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability category.