CVE-2024-49093 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
Windows Resilient File System (ReFS) Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2025
The Windows Resilient File System (ReFS) represents a critical elevation of privilege vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49093 that fundamentally undermines the security posture of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability exists within the core file system implementation and specifically targets the mechanisms that govern file system operations and access controls. The flaw enables malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative rights, creating a significant pathway for unauthorized system access and control. ReFS, designed primarily for high-performance storage environments and fault tolerance, has become a vector for privilege escalation due to insufficient validation of file system operations within its internal processing mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of file system metadata and access control lists during ReFS operations. When processing certain file system requests, the system fails to properly verify the integrity of access control information, allowing attackers to manipulate file permissions and access controls. This flaw operates at a low-level system interface where file system operations are processed, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation through crafted file system operations. The vulnerability manifests when the ReFS implementation does not adequately enforce the principle of least privilege during file system operations, particularly in scenarios involving file creation, modification, and access control list updates. The flaw can be triggered through various ReFS file system operations, including but not limited to file system mounting, directory traversal, and metadata manipulation sequences.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-49093 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within Windows environments. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows adversaries to gain administrative access to systems, enabling them to install malicious software, modify system configurations, and access sensitive data without detection. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where ReFS is commonly deployed for storage solutions and high-availability systems. The attack surface includes systems running Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022, and Windows 10/11 versions that utilize ReFS file systems. Organizations with extensive ReFS deployments face heightened risk as this vulnerability can be leveraged to compromise critical infrastructure, potentially leading to data breaches, system corruption, and complete system takeover. The vulnerability's impact is exacerbated by the fact that ReFS is often used in mission-critical applications where system integrity and data protection are paramount.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft security patches, monitoring for suspicious file system activity, and reviewing access control configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploits. Organizations must conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems utilizing ReFS and ensure all patches are deployed promptly. Network monitoring should focus on unusual file system operations, particularly those involving ReFS file system metadata changes, as these may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring for file system changes, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering and compromised user accounts. The remediation process requires careful coordination between security teams and system administrators to ensure patch deployment without disrupting critical system operations while maintaining the integrity of ReFS-based storage solutions that organizations depend upon for data availability and performance.