CVE-2024-49088 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
Windows Common Log File System Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2025
This vulnerability resides within the Windows Common Log File System Driver, specifically affecting the way the system handles log file operations and privilege management. The flaw enables an attacker to escalate their privileges from a standard user account to SYSTEM level access, representing a critical security risk that undermines the fundamental security model of the Windows operating system. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of log file operations within the kernel-mode driver component that processes common log file system requests.
The technical implementation involves a privilege escalation mechanism where malicious code can manipulate the log file system driver to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This occurs through improper input validation and insufficient access controls within the driver's handling of log file operations. The flaw allows an unprivileged user to craft specific log file requests that bypass normal security boundaries, effectively creating a path for privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through system binary manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate to full system control, and potentially compromise entire network infrastructures. Once successfully exploited, the attacker gains complete control over the affected system, allowing for data exfiltration, lateral movement, and establishment of backdoors. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows 11, and various Windows Server releases, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these systems are prevalent.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate installation of Microsoft security updates, which address the underlying driver vulnerability through proper input validation and access control enforcement. Organizations should also implement network segmentation, monitor for unusual log file activity, and conduct regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should disable unnecessary log file operations and implement principle of least privilege controls to minimize potential attack surface. Additional protective measures include deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious driver behavior and implementing strict access controls on system log files to prevent unauthorized manipulation.