CVE-2024-49110 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
Windows Mobile Broadband Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2026
This vulnerability affects the Windows Mobile Broadband driver component and represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw that allows attackers to execute malicious code with elevated system privileges. The issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the mobile broadband driver implementation, specifically in how it handles certain kernel-mode operations and memory management functions.
The technical exploitation occurs when an unprivileged user process interacts with the vulnerable driver through improperly validated input parameters or insufficient privilege checks during device communication protocols. Attackers can leverage this weakness to manipulate driver behavior and gain unauthorized access to system resources that should only be available to kernel-level processes. This flaw typically manifests through crafted IOCTL (Input/Output Control) calls or buffer overflow conditions that bypass normal security boundaries between user mode and kernel mode execution contexts.
According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-269: "Improper Privilege Management" and potentially CWE-121: "Stack-based Buffer Overflow", depending on the specific exploitation vector. The operational impact is severe as successful exploitation enables attackers to install malware, modify system files, create persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges to SYSTEM level access. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where mobile broadband connectivity is common and users may not be security-aware.
From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1068: "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1547: "Boot or Logon Autostart Execution' as attackers can establish persistence through modified system components. The attack surface is broadened by the widespread use of mobile broadband drivers across various Windows versions including Windows 7, 8, 10, and server variants that support mobile connectivity features.
Mitigation strategies include applying Microsoft security updates promptly, implementing driver signature enforcement policies, disabling unnecessary mobile broadband interfaces, and monitoring for suspicious driver behavior through endpoint detection and response solutions. Organizations should also consider restricting user access to mobile broadband functionality in environments where the risk is elevated due to targeted attacks or insider threats. Network segmentation and privilege separation measures can further reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts by limiting lateral movement capabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of driver integrity and proper privilege enforcement mechanisms to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation through this channel.