Security restrictions bypass when handling shortcuts in Microsoft Windows

1) Security features bypass

EUVDB-ID: #VU86398

Risk: Critical

CVSSv4.0: 8.5 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Red]

CVE-ID: CVE-2024-21412

CWE-ID: CWE-254 - Security Features

Exploit availability: Yes

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to bypass implemented security restrictions.

The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation when handling Internet shortcut files. A remote attacker can trick the victim into clicking on a specially crafted shortcut file and execute arbitrary code on the system.

Note, the vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: 10 - 11 23H2 10.0.22631.2428

Windows Server: 2019 10.0.17763.1 - 2022 23H2

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10:Mobile:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_20H2:10.0.19042.572:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_21H1:10.0.19043.985:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_21H2:10.0.19044.1288:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_22H2:10.0.19045.2130:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_1507:10.0.10240.16405:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows:10_1703:10.0.15063.138:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server:2019:10.0.17763.1:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2024-21412
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-24-165/
https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/24/b/cve202421412-water-hydra-targets-traders-with-windows-defender-s.html

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.