Microsoft Windows Internet Shortcut Files Security Feature Bypass
CVE-2024-21412 is a high-severity protection mechanism failure vulnerability in Windows 10 Version 1809 from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 10.0.17763.5458 as the first without the flaw, so updating Windows 10 Version 1809 to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on February 13, 2024, which means attacks have been observed in the wild, including in ransomware campaigns.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Windows 10 Version 1809 to 10.0.17763.5458 or a later version.
- Update Windows 10 Version 21H2 to 10.0.19044.4046 or a later version.
- Update Windows 10 Version 22H2 to 10.0.19045.4046 or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
- Read the advisory on msrc.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 1809 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.5458; 10.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.5458 | 10.0.17763.5458 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 21H2 | 10.0.19043.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19044.4046 | 10.0.19044.4046 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 Version 22H2 | 10.0.19045.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19045.4046 | 10.0.19045.4046 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 version 21H2 | 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.22000.2777 | 10.0.22000.2777 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 version 22H2 | 10.0.22621.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.22621.3155 | 10.0.22621.3155 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 version 22H3 | 10.0.22631.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.22631.3155 | 10.0.22631.3155 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 Version 23H2 | 10.0.22631.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.22631.3155 | 10.0.22631.3155 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2019 | 10.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.5458 | 10.0.17763.5458 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) | 10.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.5458 | 10.0.17763.5458 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2022 | 10.0.20348.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.20348.2322 | 10.0.20348.2322 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2022, 23H2 Edition (Server Core installation) | 10.0.25398.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.25398.709 | 10.0.25398.709 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 1809 | before 10.0.17763.5458 | 10.0.17763.5458 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 21h2 | before 10.0.19044.4046 | 10.0.19044.4046 |
| Microsoft | Windows 10 22h2 | before 10.0.19045.4046 | 10.0.19045.4046 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 21h2 | before 10.0.22000.2777 | 10.0.22000.2777 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 22h2 | before 10.0.22621.3155 | 10.0.22621.3155 |
| Microsoft | Windows 11 23h2 | before 10.0.22631.3155 | 10.0.22631.3155 |
| Microsoft | Windows Server 2022 23h2 | before 10.0.25398.709 | 10.0.25398.709 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (microsoft.com).
Official description
Internet Shortcut Files Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Protection Mechanism Failure
The product does not use or incorrectly uses a protection mechanism that provides sufficient defense against directed attacks against the product.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2024-21412US Government Resource
Recent Protection Mechanism Failure vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
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