CVE-2024-6769 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 09/27/2024
A DLL Hijacking caused by drive remapping combined with a poisoning of the activation cache in Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2022 allows a malicious authenticated attacker to elevate from a medium integrity process to a high integrity process without the intervention of a UAC prompt.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2024
This vulnerability represents a sophisticated privilege escalation flaw that leverages multiple Windows system mechanisms to bypass standard security controls. The issue stems from a combination of drive remapping functionality and activation cache poisoning within the Windows operating system, creating an environment where authenticated users can exploit system weaknesses to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft Windows versions including the latest desktop and server operating systems, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments.
The technical exploitation occurs through DLL hijacking mechanisms that take advantage of how Windows resolves dynamic link library dependencies during application execution. When drive remapping is combined with activation cache poisoning, the system's normal DLL search order can be manipulated to load malicious code in place of legitimate system libraries. This particular combination creates a scenario where a medium integrity process can be elevated to high integrity without triggering User Account Control prompts, which normally serve as critical security barriers. The vulnerability exploits the underlying Windows component model and activation infrastructure, specifically targeting how the system handles cached activation information and drive mapping configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to bypass fundamental Windows security controls that are designed to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation. Once exploited, the malicious code can execute with high integrity privileges, potentially enabling access to protected system resources, modification of critical system files, or the ability to establish persistent access through system-level modifications. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where authenticated users may have legitimate access to systems but should not be able to escalate their privileges without proper authorization. The attack vector does not require administrative privileges or specific system access, making it accessible to a broader range of threat actors.
Mitigation strategies should focus on addressing the root causes of the vulnerability through comprehensive system hardening measures. Microsoft has released security updates that address the specific combination of drive remapping and activation cache poisoning behaviors that enable this exploit. System administrators should implement the latest security patches immediately and consider additional protective measures such as enabling Windows Defender Application Control policies to restrict dynamic library loading. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 and CWE-428 categories related to uncontrolled search path and weak library loading mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this represents a privilege escalation technique that falls under T1068 and T1548.1, demonstrating how attackers can leverage system design weaknesses to bypass UAC protections and achieve elevated system access. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual DLL loading patterns and activation cache modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts.