Vulnerability identifier: #VU86398

Vulnerability risk: Critical

CVSSv3.1: 7.7 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2024-21412

CWE-ID: CWE-254

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system
Windows Server
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Microsoft

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: 11 21H2 10.0.22000.194, 10 1809 10.0.17763.1, 11 23H2 10.0.22631.2428, 11 22H2 10.0.22621.521, 10 22H2 10.0.19045.2130, 10 21H2 10.0.19044.1288, 10 21H1 10.0.19043.985, 10 1507 10.0.10240.16405, 10 20H2 10.0.19042.572, 10 2004 10.0.19041.264, 10 1909 10.0.18363.476, 10 1903 10.0.18362.116, 10 1803 10.0.17134.48, 10 1709 10.0.16299.19, 10 1703 10.0.15063.138, 10 1607 10.0.14393.10, 10 1511 10.0.10586.3

Windows Server: 2019 10.0.17763.1 - 2022 23H2

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

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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.