Microsoft Windows 10 WinREUpdateInstaller_2401B_amd64 Link Following Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

August 13th, 2024
ZDI-24-1147 ZDI-CAN-23936

CVE ID

CVE-2024-38163

CVSS Score

7.0 AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors

Microsoft

Affected Products

Windows

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Microsoft Windows. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the WinREUpdateInstaller_2401B_amd64 installer. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to delete a file. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM.

Additional Details

Microsoft has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2024-38163

Disclosure Timeline

  • 2024-04-12 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2024-08-13 - Coordinated public release of advisory
  • 2024-08-15 - Advisory Updated

Credit

Nicholas Zubrisky (@NZubrisky)

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