CVE-2024-38137 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2024
Windows Resource Manager PSM Service Extension Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2026
This vulnerability affects the Windows Resource Manager PSM Service Extension component which is part of the Windows operating system's resource management infrastructure. The flaw resides in how the service extension handles privilege escalation scenarios during resource management operations, creating a pathway for unprivileged users to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and improper privilege validation mechanisms within the service extension's code execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a privilege escalation vector where malicious code can manipulate the service extension's behavior to execute with higher privileges than initially intended. This occurs through improper input validation and inadequate privilege checking during resource management operations, allowing attackers to exploit the service extension's trust relationship with the system. The flaw typically manifests when the service extension processes external inputs or configuration parameters without sufficient authorization verification.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation of this vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. This elevated access level provides attackers with unrestricted control over the affected system, including the ability to install malicious software, modify system files, create new user accounts, and access sensitive data. The vulnerability affects systems running affected versions of Windows where the PSM Service Extension is installed and active.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-276, specifically addressing improper permissions for critical resources, which aligns with the privilege escalation nature of the flaw. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' in adversary tactics and techniques frameworks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft security patches, disabling unnecessary service extensions, and implementing strict access controls through group policy configurations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on reducing the attack surface by ensuring only necessary components are installed and properly configured. System administrators should monitor for unauthorized modifications to the PSM Service Extension configuration and implement robust logging mechanisms to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts. Additionally, deploying network segmentation and least-privilege access principles can significantly reduce the potential impact of exploitation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable service extension across the enterprise infrastructure.
The vulnerability represents a critical concern for enterprise environments where Windows systems are exposed to untrusted networks or users with limited privileges. Organizations must prioritize patch management procedures and maintain awareness of related threats in the cybersecurity community to prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific privilege escalation pathway within the Windows resource manager architecture.