CVE-2024-43643 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 11/12/2024
Windows USB Video Class System Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
This vulnerability resides within the Windows USB Video Class System Driver component, specifically affecting the kernel-mode driver responsible for handling USB video devices. The flaw represents a privilege escalation issue that allows a local attacker to elevate their execution context from standard user level to kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the driver's processing of USB video class requests, creating a path for malicious code execution with system-level access. According to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, this corresponds to weakness category CWE-121, which encompasses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that can lead to privilege escalation. The affected driver component processes USB video class requests through the Windows kernel, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate driver structures and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious user or process submits crafted USB video class requests to the affected driver. The driver fails to properly validate the size and content of incoming USB video class descriptors, enabling an attacker to overflow buffers or manipulate kernel memory structures. This flaw allows for the execution of arbitrary code within kernel context, bypassing standard security mechanisms such as user-mode protection and address space layout randomization. The vulnerability specifically affects systems running Windows operating systems where the USB Video Class driver is present and active. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain full system control, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent access. The exploit requires local system access but does not require network connectivity, making it particularly concerning for environments where user accounts may be compromised through social engineering or other attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, extract sensitive system information, or deploy additional malware. Once elevated to kernel privileges, an attacker can modify system files, disable security features, and manipulate kernel data structures to maintain access. The vulnerability affects all supported Windows versions where the USB Video Class driver is installed, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and various server editions. This presents a significant risk to enterprise environments where USB devices are commonly used for legitimate business purposes, as the attack surface expands to include any system that accepts USB video class connections. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including physical access, malicious USB devices, or compromised user accounts that gain access to systems with USB video class support.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates, which address the underlying driver flaws through proper input validation and memory handling. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege, restricting user access to USB devices and limiting the execution of potentially malicious code. System administrators should monitor for unusual USB device connections and implement device whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized USB video class devices from being connected. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically T1068, which involves the exploitation of system vulnerabilities to gain higher privileges. Additional defensive measures include enabling Windows Defender Application Control, configuring secure boot policies, and implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious kernel-mode activity. Regular vulnerability assessments and patch management processes should be prioritized to ensure timely remediation of similar driver-based vulnerabilities, as this represents a common attack surface for sophisticated threat actors targeting Windows environments.