#VU97008 Use-after-free in Windows - CVE-2024-43491

Vulnerability identifier: #VU97008

Vulnerability risk: Critical

CVSSv4.0: 9.3 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Red]

CVE-ID: CVE-2024-43491

CWE-ID: CWE-416

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Microsoft

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to compromise vulnerable system.

The vulnerability exists due to a use-after-free error in Microsoft Windows Update services. A remote attacker can send specially crafted traffic to the system, trigger a use-after-free error and execute arbitrary code.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may allow an attacker to compromise vulnerable system.

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

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: before 10 1507, 11 24H2, 10 1507, 10 1507

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External links
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2024-43491

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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.