CVE-2024-49102 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2025
The Windows Routing and Remote Access Service RRAS presents a critical remote code execution vulnerability that exploits a flaw in the service's handling of specific network protocols and authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of Windows operating systems including server editions and workstations where RRAS has been installed and configured. The technical root cause stems from improper input validation within the routing and remote access functionality, particularly when processing certain types of network traffic that contain malformed data structures. Attackers can leverage this weakness by sending specially crafted packets to the target system's RRAS service, which then processes these inputs without adequate sanitization or boundary checks, leading to memory corruption conditions that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access within network environments where RRAS is deployed. The attack surface becomes particularly dangerous when considering that many organizations rely on RRAS for VPN connectivity, remote access solutions, and network routing functions across their infrastructure. Security analysts have identified that the vulnerability can be triggered through various attack vectors including direct network access or through compromised systems that communicate with vulnerable RRAS instances. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious packets that exploit buffer overflow conditions in the protocol handling code, allowing attackers to execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the RRAS service account which often runs with elevated system permissions.
Organizations implementing mitigation strategies must consider multiple defensive layers to protect against this vulnerability as the attack surface encompasses both internal and external network exposure points. The primary recommendation involves applying Microsoft security patches promptly through regular update management procedures, while also implementing network segmentation controls that limit direct access to RRAS service endpoints. Network administrators should disable unnecessary RRAS features and services, particularly when they are not actively required for business operations, as this reduces the potential attack surface significantly. Additionally, implementing strict firewall rules that restrict access to RRAS ports and protocols such as PPTP L2TP and IPsec can prevent unauthorized exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability aligns with several common attack patterns documented in the attack framework including techniques for privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments. The Common Weakness Enumeration categorizes this issue under CWE-121 which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, while also mapping to CWE-125 which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can occur during protocol processing. From an ATT&CK perspective, the vulnerability enables techniques categorized under TA0006 privilege escalation and TA0008 lateral movement where attackers can establish persistent access and expand their foothold within compromised networks. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with RRAS exploitation attempts, including unusual packet sizes or protocol violations that may indicate active exploitation of this vulnerability.
The long-term security posture for affected organizations requires comprehensive assessment of all RRAS deployments across the enterprise infrastructure to identify potential exposure points and implement appropriate compensating controls. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments targeting RRAS services and ensure that network access controls are properly configured to minimize unnecessary exposure. The implementation of zero-trust network architectures can further reduce risk by eliminating implicit trust assumptions and enforcing strict authentication requirements for all network access attempts to RRAS endpoints, thereby creating additional barriers against exploitation attempts targeting this critical service functionality.