CVE-2024-49094 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
Wireless Wide Area Network Service (WwanSvc) Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2025
The Wireless Wide Area Network Service (WwanSvc) represents a critical component within Windows operating systems responsible for managing cellular data connections and related network services. This service operates with elevated privileges to facilitate seamless communication between network hardware and the operating system, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49094 specifically affects the WwanSvc component and presents a significant security risk that could allow local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system level execution.
This elevation of privilege vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the WwanSvc service implementation. The flaw exists in how the service handles certain input parameters and process interactions, creating opportunities for malicious code execution with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific payloads that leverage the service's elevated permissions to execute arbitrary code within the system context. The vulnerability manifests when the service processes untrusted input without proper validation, allowing attackers to manipulate service behavior and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-49094 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with comprehensive system control capabilities. Once successfully exploited, adversaries can install malicious software, modify system files, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 10 and Windows 11, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where these operating systems are widely deployed. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that WwanSvc typically runs with high privileges, meaning successful exploitation directly translates to system compromise without requiring additional attack vectors.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-269, which addresses privilege escalation issues in operating systems, specifically focusing on inadequate access control mechanisms. The MITRE ATT&CK framework categorizes this weakness under privilege escalation techniques, particularly targeting service execution and process manipulation methods. Organizations should consider implementing layered defense strategies including regular system updates, service hardening, and monitoring for suspicious WwanSvc behavior. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining strict access controls for system services and highlights the risks associated with services operating with unnecessary elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches when available, along with network monitoring to detect anomalous WwanSvc activities. System administrators should implement principle of least privilege concepts by reviewing service permissions and ensuring WwanSvc operates with minimal required privileges. Additional protective measures include enabling Windows Defender Application Control, configuring service startup types to manual, and implementing comprehensive endpoint detection and response solutions. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on system services and their privilege levels to identify similar weaknesses in their infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust service management practices across enterprise environments.