CVE-2024-35250: Critical Windows Kernel Vulnerability Fix

CVE-2024-35250 has emerged as a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft's Windows operating systems, specifically impacting the Windows Kernel-Mode Driver. This flaw allows attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, making it a critical concern for organizations and individual users alike. With active exploitation reported, timely patching is essential to safeguard systems against potential attacks.

What is CVE-2024-35250?

CVE-2024-35250 is a privilege escalation vulnerability found within the Windows Kernel Streaming Service (MSKSSRV.SYS), a core component of the Windows kernel. This flaw stems from an untrusted pointer dereference, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code and elevate their privileges to the highest level (SYSTEM) on the affected device.

Why is it Critical?

Local Privilege Escalation (LPE): Exploiting this vulnerability allows local attackers to gain SYSTEM-level access, effectively taking full control of a device.
Active Exploitation: Reports confirm that CVE-2024-35250 is actively being exploited in the wild, which increases its risk profile.
PoC Availability: A publicly available Proof of Concept (PoC) has made exploitation more accessible to threat actors, amplifying the urgency for mitigation.

Affected Systems

CVE-2024-35250 affects the following Microsoft products:

Windows 10 (various builds)
Windows 11 (latest versions)
Windows Server 2022 and 2019

For a complete list of affected versions, refer to the Microsoft Security Advisory.

How the Vulnerability Works

The vulnerability lies in MSKSSRV.SYS, where an untrusted pointer dereference can occur. By crafting malicious input and exploiting this flaw, an attacker can gain unauthorized access and escalate privileges. This makes it easier for attackers to:

Execute arbitrary code on the system
Install malware
Modify, delete, or steal sensitive data
Maintain persistent control of the system

Because SYSTEM privileges provide the highest level of control, this vulnerability is particularly dangerous.

Exploitation and Real-World Threats

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added CVE-2024-35250 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, highlighting its active exploitation. With attackers leveraging this vulnerability to gain SYSTEM-level access, organizations must act quickly.

Additionally, a Proof of Concept (PoC) exploit has been released publicly on platforms like GitHub, further increasing the risk of widespread attacks.

Mitigation Steps

To protect against CVE-2024-35250, follow these key mitigation steps:

Apply the Latest Security Updates Microsoft has released patches for this vulnerability in its June 2024 Patch Tuesday updates. Users and IT administrators must ensure their systems are updated immediately. Delaying updates leaves systems vulnerable to active attacks. (Visit Microsoft Update Guide for patch details.)
Enable Automatic Updates Configure systems to download and install updates automatically to minimize the window of exposure to vulnerabilities.
Monitor for Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) Use security tools to detect unusual system behavior or privilege escalation attempts.
Implement Least Privilege Access Controls Limit user permissions and ensure that only essential accounts have administrative privileges.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-35250 is a critical vulnerability that poses a significant risk to Windows systems. With active exploitation and publicly available exploit code, immediate action is required. Organizations and individuals must prioritize patching to mitigate this threat effectively.

By staying updated and implementing proactive security measures, you can protect your systems from attackers seeking to exploit CVE-2024-35250.