CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-38178Exploited in the wildNVD status: Analyzed

Microsoft Windows Scripting Engine Memory Corruption

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2024-38178 is a high-severity access of resource using incompatible type vulnerability in Windows 11 Version 24H2 from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 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 10.0.26100.1457 as the first without the flaw, so updating Windows 11 Version 24H2 to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on August 13, 2024, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.

Patch now

Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.

What to do

  1. Update Windows 11 Version 24H2 to 10.0.26100.1457 or a later version.
  2. Update Windows 10 Version 1809 to 10.0.17763.6189 or a later version.
  3. Update Windows Server 2019 to 10.0.17763.6189 or a later version.
  4. CISA's required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
  5. Read the advisory on msrc.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  6. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  7. 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

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
MicrosoftWindows 11 Version 24H210.0.26100.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.26100.145710.0.26100.1457
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 180910.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.618910.0.17763.6189
MicrosoftWindows Server 201910.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.618910.0.17763.6189
MicrosoftWindows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)10.0.17763.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.17763.618910.0.17763.6189
MicrosoftWindows Server 202210.0.20348.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.20348.265510.0.20348.2655
MicrosoftWindows 11 version 21H210.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.22000.314710.0.22000.3147
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 21H210.0.19043.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19044.478010.0.19044.4780
MicrosoftWindows 11 version 22H210.0.22621.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.22621.403710.0.22621.4037
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 22H210.0.19045.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.19045.478010.0.19045.4780
MicrosoftWindows 11 version 22H310.0.22631.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.22631.403710.0.22631.4037
MicrosoftWindows 11 Version 23H210.0.22631.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.22631.403710.0.22631.4037
MicrosoftWindows Server 2022, 23H2 Edition (Server Core installation)10.0.25398.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.25398.108510.0.25398.1085
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 150710.0.10240.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.10240.2075110.0.10240.20751
MicrosoftWindows 10 Version 160710.0.14393.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.14393.725910.0.14393.7259
MicrosoftWindows Server 201610.0.14393.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.14393.725910.0.14393.7259
MicrosoftWindows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)10.0.14393.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.14393.725910.0.14393.7259
MicrosoftWindows Server 2012 R26.3.9600.0 up to, but not including, 6.3.9600.221346.3.9600.22134
MicrosoftWindows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation)6.3.9600.0 up to, but not including, 6.3.9600.221346.3.9600.22134
MicrosoftWindows 10 1507before 10.0.10240.2075110.0.10240.20751
MicrosoftWindows 10 1607before 10.0.14393.725910.0.14393.7259
MicrosoftWindows 10 1809before 10.0.17763.618910.0.17763.6189
MicrosoftWindows 10 21h2before 10.0.19044.478010.0.19044.4780
MicrosoftWindows 10 22h2before 10.0.19045.478010.0.19045.4780
MicrosoftWindows 11 21h2before 10.0.22000.314710.0.22000.3147
MicrosoftWindows 11 22h2before 10.0.22621.403710.0.22621.4037

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE; 4 further products are omitted here. 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
HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
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
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (microsoft.com).

Official description

Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type

The product allocates or initializes a resource such as a pointer, object, or variable using one type, but it later accesses that resource using a type that is incompatible with the original type.

More Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities (CWE-843)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
  3. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  4. Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
  5. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Recent Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities

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